What Is the Correct Way to Prune Pomegranate Trees?

Pruning New Trees

• The correct pruning of pomegranate trees starts at planting time. Right after planting, cut back the trees to a height of 2 to 2 1/2 feet. Start developing a single trunk by focusing on keeping three to five symmetrical scaffold limbs with lowest 8 to 10 inches from the ground. Pinch back all new shoots. Cut all branches to three-fifths their length in winter of the planting.

Regular Pruning

• Pomegranate plants have the tendency to sucker profusely. Suckers are the smaller plants that start to sprout from the root and crown area of the parent plant. Unless these are removed regularly, the plant will fail to develop a single trunk and tree like form. Instead, the growth will be more like a bush. Remove these suckers as soon as they appear regularly. Also remove any dead or damaged tree areas in winter. The regular pruning that is required on trees that are 3-years-old and older is the removal of suckers and dead branches.

Soil

• The soil used for growing the fruit tree is just as important for healthy growth as correct pruning. Pomegranate trees adapt well to a variety of soil types including sand to clay. However, best growth occurs in well-drained, deep, heavy loam. The fruit from trees growing in clay displays lighter fruit color. Avoid planting in very alkaline soil. Recommended soil pH is anywhere between 5.5 to 7.0.

Planting Suggestions

• The recommended time to plant pomegranate is during early spring in February or March after the last frost in the area. Make sure the soil is loose and not very wet. If the pomegranate is intended as a hedge, space the plants 6 to 9 feet apart. This space can rapidly be filled in with suckers to create a dense hedge. When growing as trees, the recommended space is 15 to 18 feet.