Where Do Pomegranates Grow in the U.S.?

Hardiness Zones

• Pomegranates are native to Persia, India and Iran. As such, they require warm temperatures and can be damaged or even killed when temperatures sink below 12 degrees Fahrenheit. These long-lived shrubs grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Because the shrubs tolerate brackish water and salt, they are often grown as coastal plants in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Trees have been spotted as far north as Washington D.C. In the West, pomegranate trees grow in California, Arizona and southern Nevada and Utah. Trees can also be grown indoors and have been known to bear fruit in greenhouses.

Fruit Production

• Pomegranates need hot, dry conditions to fruit well. Although they are hardy in the Southeast, they rarely bear fruit here because of high levels of humidity. Nor do they bear fruit on a regular basis in Utah or Nevada, simply because these regions don't provide the adequate warmth needed. California and Arizona are the only states in which pomegranate trees predictably bear fruit.

Growing Conditions

• Although pomegranates have a limited range of growth in the United States, when planted in the right climate, they require little maintenance. They fruit best in full sun, but they're not picky about soil. In fact, some of the best pomegranates grow in poor, sandy soils in Arizona. They need regular irrigation for the first three years. Mature plants need less water, although they'll produce better fruit if irrigated at least every three weeks. Pomegranates don't need fertilizer, but a midsummer application of 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 pound per 3 feet of tree can help produce fruit, according to the Clemson University Extension. Pomegranates are self-pollinating, although cross-pollination with another variety can produce more fruit. The fruits take up to seven months to ripen.

Varieties

• If you're lucky enough to live in a climate suitable for pomegranates, you'll find plenty of choices for every gardening situation. "Wonderful" (Punica granatum "Wonderful") was first grown in Florida and is one of the leading commercial varieties in California. It produces large fruit, which are ideal for juicing. "Sweet" (Punica granatum "Sweet") bears large, sweet fruit earlier than most varieties. "State Fair" (Punica granatum "State Fair") stands less than 6 feet tall and produces small fruit as well. It is among the most cold-hardy varieties. "Granada" (Punica granatum "Granada") produces sweet fruit that ripens earlier than most.