What Type of Climate Do Pomegranates Live In?

The Climate

• The pomegranate tree or shrub is very tolerant of droughts; it prefers to grow in semi-arid climates. The species of plant is located in temperate to subtropical areas. The tree or shrub can thrive in a location with cooler winter temperatures and hot summers. It, however, cannot withstand severe cold; the fruit is damaged in temperatures that reach below 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Locations

• The pomegranate tree is native to northern India, the Himalayas, and all the way to Iran. It was later cultivated in Asia, Africa and Europe. It was naturalized in Bermuda in the early 1600s but is no longer normally seen in this particular area. It is currently planted in Mexico and can even be found in household gardens in Hawaii. It can even survive in greenhouses where it is known to give fruit. The tree thrives in the drier areas of California where it is cultivated and commerically produced. The fruit is also grown in drier states like Arizona and has been known to survive as high north as Washington state, although the tree usually does not give fruit.

Growing Pomegranates

• Pomegranate trees should be placed in the warmest area of the yard, where they will receive plenty of sunshine. They can live and survive in the partial shade, but the sun will help the fruit ripen and grow more beautifully. The tree itself can be planted in ordinary soil, but it can also grow on calcareous or acidic loam. The tree can handle drought very well. But, if possible, irrigation will ensure a healthy harvest of fruit.

Pomegranates

• This particular fruit is not as commercially popular as other fruits in the U.S. You will know a pomegranate is ripe by the vivid crimson color. When pomegranates become too mature, they have a tendency to crack open; try to pick them before this happens. After being picked, the pomegranate will become juicer and sweeter as it is stored (it has the shelf life of an apple). The fruit itself is cut or broken open and is filled with clusters of juice sacs. These tiny sacs are then lifted out and consumed. The juice sacs can also be made into a juice which is known for health benefits and is also sold as grenadine.