Indoor pomegranate from seeds at home. Irrigation water and sunlight

Indoor pomegranate, or Pomegranate, is a unique exotic plant of the Derbennikov family. Many people grow it at home. From all the variety of exotic plants for home grown indoor pomegranate is the most unpretentious. He feels great in winter garden or just on the windowsill. At correct breeding the room guarantor will give you sweet, juicy and useful fruits. If you want to know all the nuances, you will need detailed description how to grow pomegranate at home.

Pomegranate is a very ornamental plant

Varieties for home cultivation

The best type, which is ideal for growing at home, is the dwarf pomegranate. Its seeds or shoots can be purchased at any flower shop. There are two varieties of dwarf pomegranate.

1. Carthage.
2. Baby.

The Carthage variety is a small tree reaching a height of 80 cm. The leaves are small oblong, 2 cm in length. If a tree is grown from seeds, it will begin to bloom and produce berries in about 6–8 years. A crop planted from seeds grows for quite a long time. It begins to bloom in May and ends in August. The flowers are red-orange in color, up to 4 cm in diameter. The berries are small, 5–6 cm in diameter. They taste both sour and sweet.

The Baby variety is almost always grown from seeds. It grows in the form of a bush, 30 to 50 cm high, with 5–7 branches. The leaves are elongated, collected in whorls of several pieces. The bush begins to bloom and bear fruit 3–4 years after planting. The flowers of this variety are quite large and red. They can be collected in inflorescences, but can also grow singly. In the first year of life, all its flowers are empty flowers, but the next year small brown fruits, 5–7 cm in size, may begin to set.

The fruits ripen in winter. Such a crop must be artificially pollinated. If more than 5 berries appear on the plant, the excess ones must be removed. But it is not always possible to get results from house plant, in this case you need to graft from a branch of a tree that is already bearing fruit.

The Carthage pomegranate bears fruit in its eighth year.

Caring for pomegranate does not take much time, but many of the subtleties of this process must be known. Caring for indoor pomegranate is simple, you just need to follow simple rules:

1. Lighting. The pomegranate tree needs good lighting; special phytolamps are used for this. In summer, it is recommended to take the pot with the plant to the balcony or garden. When a crop grows, it needs fresh air and sunlight. If the plant is still young, it is gradually accustomed to the street. They are taken outside for several hours, and then transferred to dark room. Such conditions will help to avoid sunburn. It can be placed on any windowsill, but not on the north side. At noon, you should not get carried away with solar procedures and it is better to shade the plant. If the summer is cloudy, be sure to use additional lighting. IN winter period There is not enough light, so the plant may shed its leaves. To prevent this from happening, you need to purchase a powerful lamp, then the plant will feel great.
2. Air temperature. Homemade pomegranate loves warmth. IN natural environment In its habitat, the air temperature is quite high, so 25–30 °C will be comfortable for pomegranate. If the temperature in the house is higher than specified, then it is better to move the plant to a cool place. If the room is too warm, the pomegranate will shed its leaves and take a long time to grow. In spring and summer it is necessary to spray the plant with cool water. You also need to regularly ventilate the room. Temperatures that are too low will harm the tree and it may die. The temperature should not fall below 15 °C.
3. Watering rules. Water the plant moderately when upper layer the earth will dry up. The water must be settled and, if necessary, heated. In winter, the plant rests, so it needs to be watered once a month. This condition is only suitable for mature pomegranates. Young plant water once a week. The number of waterings begins to increase in February. At this time, the plant must be placed in a well-lit place. The soil must be constantly moist for the flower to begin to develop further. Daily watering must be carried out until the plant begins to bloom. And from May to September the number of waterings is significantly reduced.
4. Air humidity. Humidity should be moderate. If the humidity level in the room is low, it is necessary to spray the plant with cool water. You can also increase the humidity by using a container of water, which is placed next to the pot. In addition, it is necessary to wipe the pomegranate leaves with a damp cloth. If indoors high humidity, it can be reduced by ventilating the room, but drafts must be avoided.
5. Priming. The soil for a pomegranate tree should be healthy and nutritious. The soil for indoor pomegranate should be loose and moist. You can buy land at the store. A drainage made of large pebbles or expanded clay must be placed at the bottom of the pot.
6. Fertilizers. Indoor pomegranate needs fertilizer. You need to use fertilizing from February, use nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers. At this time, the plant is setting buds and approaching active flowering. Feed him once a week. With the arrival of autumn, nitrogen fertilizer is replaced with potassium fertilizer. It is worth knowing that fertilizers are applied to wet soil immediately after watering. It is recommended to do this in the morning or evening so that the roots do not get burned. If you want to get pomegranate fruits at home, you need to feed it very carefully. It is better to feed with organic fertilizers. A pomegranate may not bear fruit and may not bloom at all if you overfeed it with nitrogen fertilizers.

Flower pruning

Pruning indoor pomegranate has a positive effect on the appearance of the plant, as well as flowering and fruiting. The bush begins to grow quickly. During the season it can increase in size several times. The branches form a beautiful crown. The health of the plant depends on pruning. The procedure is performed 2 times a year.

The first time was at the very beginning of pomegranate flowering, when hibernation ended. If the flower was in a cold room, it is moved to the sun. Then they cut off dried branches, as well as small and unnecessary branches. To stimulate the plant, you need to trim the young branch right next to the emerging bud. There is no need to cut the pomegranate too much; it may weaken. It is recommended to leave 6 strong branches.

Buds can only grow on developed branches. Pruning must be done with care. Pomegranate will be able to set berries only on young branches of the current year.

In summer you can also prune the bush. If the branches begin to grow inside the bush, they can be cut off. Pomegranate takes well to pruning, so don’t be afraid to carry out this procedure.

Pomegranate pick

It is not recommended to replant a young bush for 2–3 years. When the flower grows and gains strength, it is transplanted into a larger pot. Pomegranate roots grow in breadth, so you need to take wide flowerpots, but shallow ones. Transplantation is carried out in the spring. Drainage is placed at the bottom of the flowerpot, and fresh purchased soil is placed on top. Suitable soil for roses and begonias.

Next, you need to remove the plant from the old pot along with the earthen lump on the roots and move it to a new container. Then root the plant well and cover it with soil. Over the next three years, the plant is replanted every year in new pot, slightly larger in size.

When a pomegranate turns six years old, it will become an adult. At this age, the flower is practically not picked, only when necessary. A 5 liter pot is enough for a large pomegranate. You should not buy a very large pot.

Reproduction

Indoor pomegranate reproduces in 3 ways:

Growing from seeds

The seeds are suitable for planting only the specific form of pomegranate, since the seeds do not retain the properties of the mother plant. This method is usually used to develop new varieties. Seeds are taken from a flowering pomegranate or bought in a store. Before planting a pomegranate in room conditions, the seeds are soaked for 1 day in some growth stimulant. Next, the seeds are dried and planted in containers, which are covered with film to create greenhouse effect. The soil is taken loose. The container with seeds is placed in a warm and well-lit place. It is necessary to ensure that the soil does not dry out.

After 2–3 weeks, shoots should appear. When the leaves get stronger, the seedlings are planted in single containers. It must be remembered that pomegranates grown from seeds begin to bloom and bear fruit 5–8 years after planting.

Growing from seeds

It is possible to grow pomegranate from seeds. To do this, you need to take seeds from large, ripe fruits. They should be creamy in color and firm. Green seeds are not suitable for planting. For planting, the seeds are cleared of pulp, washed well and dried. You can wash them in a solution of potassium permanganate so that they do not rot during germination. For good growth, before planting, the material is soaked in water with the addition of 2-3 drops of Zircon or Epin. The bones are kept in water for 12 hours. Pour a little solution so that the bone is not completely covered, because it needs oxygen.

If you plant seeds in the spring, seedlings will appear fairly quickly. If at another time, you can wait several months for seedlings. The soil should be loose, the planting depth is 0.5–1 cm. The pot is covered with film. After planting, the container is placed in a warm and well-lit place. The seeds should germinate at a temperature of 25–27 °C. You also need to control soil moisture. Watering is carried out as the soil dries out. When the sprouted shoots get a little stronger, they are planted in separate containers, the size of which is 6 cm in diameter. When the branches reach a height of 10 cm, they can be pinched.

The flower needs light and warmth, so move it closer to the window. Pomegranate grown from seed begins to bloom after 7–8 years of life and can grow quite large.

Growing by cuttings

Many gardeners and flower growers recommend growing pomegranate from cuttings. It has a high survival rate and retains all the qualities and parameters of the mother plant. If you root a plant in summer, you need to select well-ripened branches, 10–15 cm long. They should have at least 4–5 buds. If you decide to grow a flower in winter, then take woody shoots of the same length. But their rooting and growth will take longer, some shoots may die, so take cuttings with a reserve. Cuttings must be treated with a root growth stimulator. Several lower buds are removed from the branches and placed in a container with soil. The soil should be loose. Plant the cuttings at an angle to a depth of 3 cm, covered with film. Every day the plant is ventilated, sprayed and watered. 2–3 months after planting, seedlings can begin to be planted into single containers. After a year, the plant will begin to bloom, and the berries will appear two years later.

Indoor pomegranate grafting

When cared for at home, indoor pomegranate can also be propagated by grafting. A varietal cutting is grafted onto a rootstock taken from the seed. It should only be taken from a healthy plant that is already producing fruit. Pomegranates are grafted in different ways. The simplest ones are grafting using copulation, behind the bark, into a split, into a butt and a side cut. Any of the suggested ways will do. If the cutting takes root, the pomegranate will begin to bloom after 2–3 years.

Preparing the plant for winter

If in winter it is not possible to give the indoor pomegranate a lot of light, then it is sent into hibernation. Hibernation lasts from November to February. The plant is transferred to a cool room, practically not watered or fed until spring.

If it is not possible to reduce the temperature in the room, place the pot on the windowsill, wrapped in film.

You can also move the flower to the balcony, if it is glazed, or to the basement. But, if you can provide your pomegranate with good lighting for 12 hours using a powerful phytolamp, it will feel great at normal room temperature.

The tree can overwinter on the balcony

Diseases of home pomegranate

If you properly care for your pomegranate tree, it will not be afraid of diseases. But if the pomegranate still gets sick, it needs to be treated correctly. Basically, the plant begins to get sick if you do not adhere to temperature and humidity conditions. Most often, pomegranate suffers from a disease such as powdery mildew. The leaves of the plant may also turn yellow if you water it a lot. Another problem is that the roots may rot.

This also occurs from excess moisture. In this case, you need to remove the plant from the pot and remove the diseased roots. Healthy roots need to be washed in potassium permanganate, dried and planted in a new pot with fresh soil. The soil must be nutritious. You don’t need to water a lot, then the plant will take root again. For better results, you can trim the roots a little. If leaves begin to fall off, there may be many reasons for this. If this is the end of flowering, then this is a natural phenomenon. This is how the plant prepares for winter hibernation.

When greens fall off in the middle of flowering, it means there is not enough water or fertilizer. Analyze your actions while caring for indoor pomegranate at home, and you will understand what went wrong.

If the roots are rotten, they need to be disinfected in potassium permanganate.

Pests

Pests rarely attack indoor pomegranates. It can be spider mite, thyroid and whitefly. Pests must be destroyed immediately. The thyroid gland is removed manually, the caterpillars and whitefly eggs are washed under running water. If you notice webs on the leaves, it's a spider mite. In this case, the leaves need to be wiped with a wet rag.

If the tree is very heavily affected by pests, then use special chemicals. For example, the drug Aktaroy, Actellik or Fitoverm. Before using these products, cover the soil with film.

Conclusion

Pomegranate is a beautiful exotic plant. Caring for it at home is not difficult, you just need to be patient, because this plant takes a long time to develop. If you follow all the conditions for growing indoor pomegranate and provide proper care, the plant will produce fruit all year round.

By pruning, the plant can be given interesting shape. Pruning will only benefit the pomegranate and will help it develop properly and grow faster. There's no guarantee that your pomegranate will bloom and bear fruit every year, but it's worth a try. The plant will decorate your home and will delight you with its flowering and tasty, healthy fruits.

If you've ever wanted to have a fruit-bearing tree at home that doesn't require... special care, did not need a lot of time and, among other things, bore fruit, then be sure to pay attention to indoor pomegranate. After all, it’s always nice to enjoy the fruits of your labor, especially if this pleasure is not only spiritual, but also physical!
In this article I will tell you about this wonderful tree, its halo of habitat, I will give 5 practical advice on growing a healthy and fruit-bearing tree and some recommendations for caring for it.

Pomegranate (from Latin: Punicia) in the wild is mainly a small tree, approximately 2-5 meters in height. A little less common is a shrub, the fruits of which are as large as those of trees, but are sour, which gives a special piquancy to the taste of the fruits.
Due to its unpretentiousness, the plant is distributed over a wide range of latitudes, and grows mainly on two continents: Eurasia and Africa. IN various sources There is information about the origin of pomegranate in northern Africa, western Asia and southern Europe, but one thing is clear - this type of fruit appeared independently and quite a long time ago, and cultivation does not have a specific historical place of origin. I can’t help but tell you about the history of the origin of the name Pomegranate: from the Latin punicus is translated as Carthaginian or Punic. The Punes (now their state is called Tunisia) supplied Rome with the most delicious pomegranates. Since then, the name has “stuck” to the heroes of this article. There are also two more popular names for this fruit: malum granatum and malum punicum (malum from Latin “apple”). Indeed, the similarities are obvious. In ancient Greek culture, the pomegranate occupies a worthy place, personifying and symbolizing a happy marriage, passionate love, and fertility.

Room representatives

Indoors, indoor pomegranate is often cultivated as a shrub, the basis of which is 5-7 large trunks, with large quantity branches. Less often, trees are found, but this appearance does not contribute to the healthy growth of the plant, since the thickness of the branches and trunks is mainly only 1-1.5 centimeters. Indoor pomegranate is classified as deciduous plants, so do not be surprised, or even be glad, that in the fall it will shed its leaves and prepare to rest. The branches have spines and during flowering they produce two types of flowers. The so-called “male” and “female”. Fruits are set only in “female” flowers. It is quite simple to distinguish them: in future fruits the flower shape is similar to a jug, but from bell-shaped flowers you can’t expect berries. The fruits of indoor dwarf pomegranate of the Carthage variety are quite small. For cultivated garden trees, fruits 15-18 centimeters in diameter are considered the norm.
In addition to healthy and tasty fruits, indoor pomegranate is grown for its red, small but numerous flowers. On average, they are 4-5 centimeters in diameter and there are a lot of them on one bush. It's nice to enjoy this view sometimes own apartment or home.

Varieties

At home the most suitable varieties indoor pomegranates can be considered: dwarf carthage pomegranate and baby pomegranate,

Indoor pomegranate variety Carthage

At home, it grows in the form of a tree about 80 cm high. If you buy it as a plant, pay attention to the size of the leaves; in the NANA pomegranate they are about 2 centimeters long, while in an ordinary garden pomegranate they are about 3-4. Even when planted with seeds, and this most often happens, it begins to bloom and even bear fruit at approximately 6-7 years of age. The seed germination rate of this variety is 10-70%, yes, yes, that’s exactly the wide range. Carthage fruits are small, measuring 5-6 centimeters in diameter. Pomegranates are edible, you can also squeeze juice out of them, which tastes sweet and sour. Unfortunately, indoor pomegranate does not always bear fruit; there are times when it does not even bloom. If your pomegranate does not bloom, I suggest you graft a branch from a fruit-bearing tree to a plant grown from seeds.

Indoor pomegranate variety "Baby"

They are most often grown from seeds, which are sold in bags of 5 seeds. This is a shrub, but smaller in height: 30-50 cm. The leaves, however, are elongated, grow in groups on the branches, and these groups are distributed evenly throughout the bush. Baby blooms already in 3-4 years with bright red flowers up to 7 cm in size, but in the first year it is usually a barren flower. The germination rate of this pomegranate variety is on average more stable and is 50-60%. The fruits are 3-4 cm in size. It is advisable, even if you have more than 7 fruits on a bush, to leave about 5-7 fruits for ripening.

Care

I’ll tell you about what kind of care indoor pomegranate requires at home

Lighting

Since the plant comes from hot countries, you can guess that it needs quite a lot of light. At a young age, protect the seedlings from too bright light, but gradually, as they grow, accustom them to well-lit windows in your room. Although mature plant very photophilous, do not leave it in direct sunlight. If you have a balcony or terrace, take your plant there. Optimal temperature for any variety of pomegranate, 25-30 degrees above zero is considered.

Tip 1. If you have a summer house or your own garden, then in the summer you should not keep indoor pomegranate at home, but it is better to transplant it outside. For planting, choose the western side and the shade of garden trees. You can bury the plant directly in the pot, thereby making it easier to dig it up in the fall.

Temperature

Why do we advise choosing a well-ventilated room for keeping pomegranates in hot weather? Because the plant is in low humidity and high temperature turns on self-defense and sheds part of the foliage, growth rates slow down significantly.
In winter, the temperature must be kept within 5-10 degrees above zero. At this temperature, indoor pomegranate sheds its leaves, which will undoubtedly have a positive effect on flowering in the future. The rest period lasts 4 months, starting in November. At this time, water young plants lightly, about once every 10 days. As the “punicia” matures, watering is carried out less and less in winter, and at the age of 4 years it is increased to once a month or even once a month and a half (it all depends on the size of the bush).

Tip 2. In winter, take the pomegranate out into the loggia, if the temperature there is about +6 degrees above zero, the plant will harden and the pests will die, if of course they were there.

Soil and its volume

Neutral soil is best suited for planting. Amateur flower growers most often prepare soil for pomegranate themselves, mixing equal shares humus, peat, black soil and coarse river sand. But if you don’t have all of the above on hand, buy soil for roses or any other soil in the store, but most importantly with PH7. The root system grows larger in diameter than in depth, so it is better to choose a pot that is wide and not very deep. Be sure to lay good drainage at the bottom; ordinary and everyone’s favorite expanded clay will do. Another advantage of keeping indoor pomegranate varieties is that they do not require a large volume of soil. The size can be selected as follows: in the first year of life, a 0.5 liter pot is enough, then every year, until the age of 5, the size of the bowl is increased by 0.5 liters per year. At the age of 6 years, the Carthage and Baby varieties are considered mature plants and do not require increasing the volume of pots and can be finally placed in 4-5 liter containers. All of the above, of course, is true for the average size of plants and needs to be adjusted in each specific case. When replanting, try not to overdo it, but rather, transship it by increasing the size of the pot; this will not damage the roots of the plant and will only have a positive effect on growth and health.

A little about watering

Indoor pomegranate does not tolerate stagnant water in pots, now you understand why it is so important to organize good drainage. It should be watered abundantly, but the breaks should be sufficient to allow the top layer of soil a couple of centimeters thick to dry out.

Tip 3. An ordinary toothpick stuck next to a bush is perfect as an indicator of soil moisture.

We adjust watering depending on the time of year and periods of plant growth as follows: during sap flow - from March to May - we increase it in order to saturate the plants; during flowering, we reduce watering slightly, that is, just a little, this will help the fruit set, then, when When “pomegranates” appear, we water again a little more often, but with caution, because they may crack
Indoor pomegranate also responds positively to foliage spraying on hot days. This helps maintain the necessary moisture on the surface of the plant.

Fertilizers and fertilizing

I am often asked what to feed indoor pomegranate? It is best to fertilize at intervals of 2-3 weeks, and divide it into 3 periods: in the spring we apply nitrogen fertilizers and achieve active growth, in the summer we gradually switch to phosphate fertilizers, the use of which will promote flowering, and in the fall, for the ripening of fruits and reserves. For winter energy we feed with potassium compounds. We prepare fertilizers and apply them to the soil according to the instructions on the packages.

Tip 4. When applying nitrogen fertilizers, wrap the plant trunks with polyethylene so that the solution does not get on the plant itself, otherwise burns may appear on its surface.

Growing and Reproduction

Indoor pomegranate can be grown in two very popular ways:

From seeds

The method is very simple: after purchasing and unpacking a pack of seeds, soak them in a solution with a growth stimulator for 6-10 hours (thus increasing the percentage of successful seedlings). We plant them in one container to a depth of no more than 2 cm, moisten the soil and create a greenhouse. Suitable for these purposes cling film or a cake lid. We monitor the soil moisture - do not over-moisten it, as there is a high probability of shoots rotting. After the seedlings appear, and this happens approximately 2-3 weeks after planting, we water them regularly, and do not forget to ventilate the mini greenhouse once a day for 20 minutes. After the appearance of 4 main leaves, the film can be finally removed.

Using cuttings

This is the best way to obtain all the properties of the parent variety from the offspring. For propagation by cuttings, “sticks” with 5-6 buds are cut from the fruiting branch of an adult plant. The lower 1-2 buds should be removed. Soak our “cuts” in a root formation stimulator for 3-5 hours, to a depth just up to these 2 buds. Next, we plant the cuttings in prepared, moistened soil to a depth of 3-4 centimeters, and also create greenhouse conditions.

Beneficial features

All varieties of pomegranate are valuable raw materials in folk medicine, almost all parts, including roots, bark and partitions in the fruit, find their use. Eating “pomegranates” themselves contributes to normalization blood pressure and relieve headaches, at the same time digestive problems go away and appetite increases. In addition to fruits, dried and crushed tree bark is also used (as an anthelmintic or remedy for loose stools), and leaves for making tea.

Plant Formation

The heroes of this article quite easily endure all kinds of trimming, tying and other kinds of “bullying”. Do you see what I'm getting at? In addition to the fact that good bonsai trees are made from pomegranate, the root system described above also contributes to this. True, let me give little advice, bonsai - the art of growing miniature trees from large ones, so use garden pomegranate for this purpose.

Tip 5. In the fall, before resting time, cut off dry branches and at the same time form the necessary shape of the bush.

Diseases and pests

Unfortunately, the fruit plant has no immunity against these misfortunes, so regularly inspect the foliage, branches and trunks. If you find scale insects, whiteflies or other insects, begin treatment immediately: small quantity individuals, you can collect them, but be sure to continue monitoring; in case of a large population of these creatures, do not hesitate to use chemicals. If you suspect rotting of the roots, and this can be determined by a large number of yellowed leaves, it is necessary to replant the plant with pruning of the rotting roots to healthy tissue and further drying and treating the cut areas with charcoal.

Summarizing

At the end of the article, I would like to say that, following our simple recommendations, it will not be difficult for you to grow an indoor pomegranate, both from seeds and with the help of cuttings, as well as provide it with the necessary care.

Decorative pomegranate is dwarf shrub, which is grown in warm climates in open ground. Due to its attractive appearance, it is often used to decorate residential premises, winter gardens and greenhouses. The shrub is quite unpretentious, so caring for indoor pomegranate at home does not cause difficulties. With proper maintenance, the plant blooms and sets delicious fruits. Iran and Asia Minor are considered its homeland.

Botanical description

Pomegranate requires a large amount of moisture during the formation of buds, and during flowering watering is reduced. During fruit ripening, the tree is moistened very carefully, since excess liquid can cause cracking of the fruit.

The flower requires moderate air humidity. To spray indoor pomegranate, use cool water. You can also place the pot with the plant on a tray with moistened sand or pebbles. It is recommended to carefully wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge.

Dwarf pomegranate is fed twice a month using liquid mineral fertilizers. During flowering, formulations containing increased amounts of phosphorus are needed. Typically, fertilization is combined with watering.

Caring for a house pomegranate plant includes pruning, which helps not only to form beautiful leaves, but also to stimulate shoot growth, flowering and fruiting. Since the tree grows very quickly, its size can double during the summer, pruning is necessary for the plant. During the procedure, thin and uneven branches are removed.

The first pruning is carried out in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season. No more than six skeletal branches are left on the tree, and young shoots are shortened to five internodes. In summer, you can trim the shoots growing inside the crown. After flowering, cut off weak and thin branches that lack fruit.

Replanting a pomegranate tree

Experienced gardeners propagate the plant by grafting. In this case, a varietal cutting taken from an adult healthy specimen is grafted onto a pomegranate rootstock grown from a seed. Propagation is carried out by splitting the bark of the rootstock, in a side cut or in the butt.

Decorative garnet - very interesting plant , which, if properly maintained, will decorate the room with bright leaves and unusually beautiful flowers. Flower care is simple and does not take much time.

Oranges and lemons on the windowsill are already a typical occurrence. Therefore, amateur flower growers are “domesticating” all new exotic crops - kiwi, pineapples, pomegranates, which not only bear tasty and healthy fruits, but also bloom very beautifully. Breeders have developed several dwarf varieties specifically for growing in captivity. Among them is Baby, who is distinguished by his miniature and unpretentiousness.

What does Baby pomegranate look like?

In nature, pomegranate is a low (2–2.5 m) tree or spreading shrub. The fruits of the latter are no smaller in size, but they have a very piquant sourness in taste.

“Natural” pomegranates are much larger than those ripened at home

The Latin name of pomegranate (Punicia) translates as “Punic” or “Carthaginian”. It was this state, located on the territory of modern Tunisia, that was the main supplier of tasty fruits to the Roman Empire. Its inhabitants quickly appreciated pomegranates; they became a symbol of fertility and long-term passionate love. And in Ancient Greece the fruit was one of the attributes of Zeus’s wife, Hera, and meant happiness in marriage. The Russian “pomegranate” comes from another Latin word, granatus (translated as “grainy”).

Indoor or dwarf pomegranates are a recent achievement of breeders. The Baby variety is especially notable for its miniature size. The height of an adult plant does not exceed 50 cm, but this does not in any way affect the abundance of flowering or the ability to bear fruit.

The height of an adult Baby pomegranate does not exceed half a meter

Baby's fruits do not exceed 3–4 cm in diameter (about the size of a walnut). But their taste is practically no different from “real” pomegranates. The benefits do not suffer either. Any pomegranate contains a lot of anthocyanins, which help increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, have a beneficial effect on the digestive system, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

It takes about six months for indoor pomegranate fruits to ripen.

Most often, Baby pomegranate at home is a shrub consisting of 5–7 main shoots. If desired, a tree with one trunk can also be formed from it, but this does not have the best effect on the condition of the plant, preventing its normal growth. The thickness of Baby's branches is only 1.2–1.5 cm. The shoots are covered with smooth or slightly pubescent bark light gray(sometimes with a brownish tint).

A tree is not the most natural configuration for an indoor pomegranate; it is quite difficult to form due to the fragility of the shoots

Indoor pomegranate is a deciduous plant. If he “goes bald” in the fall, this is the norm, and not the first sign of some exotic disease. During the growing season, thanks to its shiny leaves of a rich dark green hue, it looks very attractive even without flowers and fruits.

The leaves are entire, have an elongated lanceolate shape and moderately “corrugated” edges. They are collected in “bundles” on branches evenly distributed throughout the plant, and the two that are located on the opposite edges of each “bundle”, opposite each other, are significantly larger than the others. The central vein is very clearly expressed, but from the inside out. The newly emerged leaves have an unusual bronze tint.

Baby's flowers are up to 6–7 cm long and about 2.5–3 cm in diameter, six-petaled, located on the tips of the shoots. The petals are in the shape of a wide oval, with a moderately “wrinkled” surface, the tips are slightly bent back. They are painted in bright blood scarlet, purple or crimson. The first buds appear 3–4 years after planting the seeds. If this happens earlier, it is recommended to cut them off - flowering greatly depletes the young, fragile plant.

On an indoor pomegranate you can simultaneously see flowers and ripening fruits

Flowers are either “male” or “female”. The former play the role of pollinators, lack a pistil and are shaped like bells. The latter are more like water lilies; it is in them that the fruits are set. On average, three to five “female” flowers are formed per hundred. Flowering does not stop even while the fruits are ripening.

The plant may be literally strewn with ovaries, but it will not have enough strength to “feed” everything due to its miniature dimensions. Therefore, it is recommended to leave 3–6 pieces and remove the rest. The same is advised if Baby is grown only for flowering. Fruiting greatly depletes the plant; next season it will not be as abundant and spectacular. Pomegranates ripen towards mid-winter. This takes about six months.

The taste of Baby pomegranate fruit depends on how much heat and light the plant receives

At home, Baby pomegranate is most often grown from seeds. They can be purchased without any problems at any specialized store. As practice shows, germination is not bad, at the level of 50–60%. Viable seeds can also be obtained from independently grown fruits.

Self-grown indoor pomegranate seeds are no worse than purchased ones; plants obtained by generative methods inherit the selection characteristics of the “parent”

Optimal conditions for the plant

The homeland of natural pomegranate is North Africa, therefore, as you might guess, this plant is warm and light-loving. This feature inherited from ancestors and indoor variety Baby. It is imperative to listen to its requirements regarding the microclimate, because flowering is possible only in optimal conditions. It also determines how sweet the fruits will be and whether they will turn completely red.

Baby pomegranate is placed on a south or southeast windowsill, where it will receive enough light

Baby needs a lot of light, but it must be diffused. Particular care must be taken to avoid contact with direct sun rays young plants. They are adapted to their permanent “place of residence” (window sill of a south or south-east window) gradually, starting from 2–3 hours a day. But even for adult specimens, shading is desirable during the hottest midday hours. The pot can be covered with tulle, a paper screen, gauze, or blinds.

The lighting requirements of pomegranates do not change throughout the year, therefore, in order to ensure daylight hours lasting 10–12 hours, additional lighting will be needed in autumn and winter (and in cloudy weather in summer). You can use special phytolamps or regular fluorescent ones.

Phytolamps help extend daylight hours for indoor plant up to the required 10–12 hours

TO fresh air Baby is very positive. If the temperature outside is suitable (25–30ºС), you can safely take it out onto the loggia, balcony, veranda or terrace. If there is a garden plot, the plant is sometimes even transplanted into open ground or buried in a pot for the summer. It is advisable to place it so that the pomegranate is covered from the west and north by a natural or artificial barrier to protect it from cold drafts. And the crown of a tree growing nearby will create the necessary partial shade.

Indoor pomegranate Baby feels great on outdoors, if the weather is suitable for it

Baby loves warmth, but not extreme heat. At temperatures above 35ºС, especially in combination with low air humidity, its “defense mechanism” turns on: the pomegranate partially sheds its leaves and practically stops growing.

In nature, pomegranate blooms and bears fruit all year round, but at home it needs “rest.” The dormant period lasts about four months, from November to February. The minimum time for which it is necessary to ensure a change in conditions of detention is 6 weeks.

The beginning of the dormant period is easy to notice - the plant sheds its leaves completely or partially. In this case, the fruits, if any, remain on the branches. During wintering, it is kept cool (8–10ºС), fertilizing is stopped, and the number of waterings is reduced to once every 3–6 weeks (this depends on the age of the plant and the size of the bush). If the fruits ripen, the temperature should be slightly higher - 12–14ºС. Appropriate place for wintering pomegranates - a glazed loggia. The critical minimum for Baby is 5–6ºС.

In winter, indoor pomegranate Baby looks exactly like this, this is completely normal for the plant

Indoor pomegranate does not need high air humidity. It only needs spraying in extreme heat. The rest of the time, the standard 50–60% will suit him quite well. You can also place a special device for humidifying the air next to the plant or place containers with cool water. But Baby doesn’t like stuffiness, like cold drafts. Therefore, the room must be ventilated regularly, but carefully.

Spraying for indoor pomegranate is a useful and pleasant, but not strictly necessary procedure

Planting and transplanting procedure

Most often, at home, Baby pomegranate is grown from seeds. They can be purchased at any specialized store or obtained from fruits ripened on an adult plant. In the latter case, they must be thoroughly cleaned of pulp (the remaining scraps can become a source of rot). Seeds that are greenish in color or soft to the touch are not suitable for planting. Best time for the procedure - April or May.

Seeds can also be extracted from regular store-bought pomegranates. But such a plant will bloom at least seven to eight years after planting, and possibly later. In addition, its dimensions will not fit into most modern apartments.

To Baby's substrate special requirements does not present. Its main conditions are a neutral acid-base balance (pH 7.0) and good aeration. Nevertheless, flowering and fruiting always take a lot of energy from the plant, so the soil must also be nutritious. You can mix the soil yourself from equal amounts of humus, black soil or turf soil, peat chips and coarse sand, but store-bought substrate is also quite suitable, for example, for roses and begonias. Also a good option is soil for citrus fruits mixed with expanded clay and sand (3:1:1).

Special soil for roses is also quite suitable for growing indoor pomegranates

The root system, even in adult plants, is superficial, so there is no need to purchase a large, wide pot. The correct container for indoor pomegranate is similar to a salad bowl or deep plate

. The pomegranate pot should be a little cramped - this promotes abundant flowering. In a container that is too spacious, all the plant’s energy goes into developing the surrounding space.

The Baby pomegranate does not need a deep, voluminous pot: it blooms better when the roots are a little cramped In the landing procedure itself and further care

1. there is nothing complicated: The seeds are soaked for 8–10 hours in a solution of any biostimulant (Epin, Zircon, potassium humate) so that it does not cover them entirely. Also suitable succinic acid
2. and aloe juice. Small filled with freshly prepared sterilized substrate (a mixture of peat and coarse sand in approximately equal proportions). They need to be done first drainage holes. A drainage layer 2–3 cm thick is required. The soil is watered moderately. To disinfect it, hold it over steam and leave it in freezer or baked in the oven.
3. Seeds are planted in containers, deepened by 4–5 mm. The soil is sprayed with a spray bottle, the pots are covered with glass or transparent film, creating a “greenhouse”. Condensation often accumulates there, so it will need to be ventilated daily by opening for 5–7 minutes. Optimal conditions for seeds are a dark place, temperature about 25ºС, bottom heating.
4. Shoots appear in approximately 12–16 days. As soon as this happens, the cover can be removed. The containers are rearranged, providing 10–12 hours of daylight, as for adult plants. As the soil dries, moisten it with a spray bottle.
5. Seedlings with three pairs of true leaves are transplanted into pots with a diameter of 7–8 cm filled with soil suitable for adult pomegranates. During the first two years of life, they must be especially carefully protected from direct sunlight. When they grow to 12–15 cm, pomegranates are pinched, stimulating branching.

Baby pomegranate seeds sprout quite quickly and amicably

Baby pomegranate grows quite quickly. When transplanting for the first time, a pot with a volume of 0.5–0.7 liters is enough. Then it is increased annually by another 0.5 liters. Plants that are six years old are considered mature and do not need further enlargement of the pot. A container with a volume of 4–5 liters is enough for them. There is no need to increase it further, but you will have to change the substrate every 2-3 years. Transplantation is carried out using the transshipment method, trying to disturb the fragile roots as little as possible.

The volume of the pot for Baby pomegranate seedlings is increased gradually; it is not recommended to purchase a container “for growth”

Indoor pomegranate needs regular pruning. Therefore, it can be propagated not only by seeds, but also vegetatively. The stalk is the tip of a fruiting shoot about 10 cm long with five to six growth buds. The procedure for rooting them is almost no different from germinating seeds, with the only difference being that they are soaked in a biostimulant solution for 4–6 hours.

Planting material for propagating indoor pomegranate by cuttings can be obtained in abundance during the process of pruning the plant

Video: planting pomegranate seeds

Important nuances of plant care

Indoor pomegranate of the Baby variety is deservedly considered an unpretentious plant. Even a novice gardener can take care of it.

Despite the fact that the plant’s homeland is North Africa, its main requirement is abundant watering. But you can’t over-moisten the soil to avoid rotting the roots. To avoid stagnation of moisture in the pot, a layer of drainage must be placed at the bottom, and approximately half an hour after each watering, excess water is drained from the pan. Before the procedure, it is advisable to slightly loosen the soil.

The soil in the pot should be allowed to dry 1.5–2 cm deep, no more.

Most often, indoor pomegranate fruits crack due to too much watering.

This can be easily checked with a wooden stick or toothpick. In extreme heat, moisten the soil every day or every other day; in cooler weather, 2-3 times a week is enough. The frequency is adjusted depending on the phase of plant development. Pomegranates that have just emerged from hibernation are watered abundantly, while those that are blooming are watered sparingly (this helps the fruit set). Those on which fruits have formed - as the soil dries. It is important not to overdo it so that they do not crack. The faded plant is watered abundantly again - in the fall it forms flower buds for next year.

In nature, pomegranate blooms at the height of the dry season. Therefore, abundant watering at this time will lead to the plant dropping all its buds.

Water for watering and spraying (in hot weather you can also wipe the leaves) should be soft and heated to room temperature. Be sure to leave the tap water for at least a day and add a few granules to it. citric acid or 2-3 drops of apple cider vinegar per 10 liters. At all, perfect option- rain, melt or spring water. About once a month it is replaced with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate.

Potassium permanganate - effective and popular disinfectant, destroying many pathogenic fungi

During the active growing season, Baby is fed every 12–14 days. Flowering and the formation of fruit ovaries take a lot of energy from the pomegranate, so fertilization is necessary, especially if the weather is cloudy and cool for a long time. Any will do complex remedy for flowering indoor plants, does not contain chlorine. This trace element greatly weakens the root system of pomegranate, which is not very powerful anyway.

Pomegranate Baby needs regular feeding - abundant flowering greatly depletes the plant

In the spring, before flowering, pomegranates must be watered 2-3 times with a solution of nitrogen-containing fertilizer. This macronutrient stimulates the formation green mass. You can use the same fertilizers that are usually used for garden plants- urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate (2–3 g/l). In this case, it is advisable to protect the plant by wrapping the lower part plastic film: fertilizer that gets on the bark often causes burns similar to sunburn. Flowering plant Most of all, phosphorus is needed; the fruit-bearing plant needs potassium. Any fertilizing is applied only to moist soil about an hour after watering.

Urea, like any other nitrogen-containing fertilizer, stimulates indoor pomegranate to increase green mass

Baby also responds well to organic fertilizers. Some gardeners generally recommend using only them so that the fruits do not contain nitrates. In this case, you can water the plant with infusions of fresh cow dung or bird droppings, nettle or dandelion leaves, wood ash.

Baby tolerates pruning, including radical pruning, very easily, as if not noticing the “stress.” It cannot be neglected - during the season the bush can more than double in volume. Thin shoots are intertwined so that it is almost impossible to separate them. The crown turns out to be very untidy, “chaotic”. This worsens its aeration, creating favorable conditions for the development of many pathogenic fungi and pest attacks.

Indoor pomegranate tolerates pruning, including radical pruning, without problems.

But you shouldn’t be overly zealous either - Baby’s buds form only on one-year-old shoots. Indoor grenade You can give it any shape; here the gardener is limited only by his own imagination. The most common option is a spherical bush. To do this, you need to stimulate branching of young plants by pinching each shoot 3–5 cm (2–3 upper buds).

Baby Garnet is well suited for bonsai formation

The procedure is carried out at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring, simultaneously with the return of the Baby pomegranate to its “place of registration”. In adult specimens, no more than five growth points are left on each shoot, and the branch is cut off directly above the last bud.

Then they get rid of everything basal shoots. On the skeletal shoots (there should be no more than five to seven), branches of the second and third order are gradually formed in the same quantity. Shoots over five years old are cut off to the growth point and replaced with new ones.

Young pomegranates of the Baby variety are distinguished by their growth rate, so pruning is a mandatory procedure for them

Video: correct pruning of indoor pomegranate

Baby rarely suffers from diseases and pests. The main danger threatening him is root rot, the development of which is often provoked by the grower himself by watering the plant too often and/or abundantly.

If the room is also cool, the pathogenic fungus will not be long in coming. A pomegranate affected by rot practically stops growing and the leaves turn yellow. The bases of the shoots turn black and become slimy to the touch. It comes from the soil bad smell

, often it becomes covered with mold. Root rot - dangerous disease

, the appearance of which is often the fault of the owner of the indoor pomegranate It is impossible to save a plant if the disease has progressed far. All that remains is to throw it away. When rot is noticed on early stages

, radical pruning and replanting with a complete replacement of the soil with disinfected one and sterilization of the pot can help.

Remove all parts of the plant on which the slightest traces of rot are visible, capturing 3–4 mm of healthy tissue.

The roots are washed in a bright pink solution of potassium permanganate. When transplanting, add Trichodermin or Glyocladin to the soil. The popular pomegranate tree, strange as it may sound, can be grown at home. But in such a situation there is no hope for full-fledged fruits, since the plant will primarily perform decorative functions. For the purpose of growing at home, plants of the dwarf variety are better suited. The dwarf grant variety is an exotic plant, but unpretentious and therefore perfect for growing at home. In the open ground

shrubby plant can grow in tropical or subtropical conditions. On the territory of our state, the plant is grown on window sills and in greenhouses in special containers or flower pots. According to legend, pomegranate was brought to us from Carthage and was called the “Punic apple.” The wife of the sun god Hero presented the fruit as an emblem of marriage. The Greeks believed that pomegranate fruits symbolized fertility, and the ancient Persians personified it with passionate love. But no matter what pomegranate is associated with in different countries

beneficial features

If a home gardener decides to grow a pomegranate on his windowsill, he will be very pleased with the ease of care and planting of the ornamental plant. The only thing important to understand is that if you want, in addition to enjoying the decorative beauty of the plant, to receive delicious fruits, then grow edible fruit from the seed, not recommended. In such a situation, it is advisable to plant dwarf pomegranate cuttings.

A convenient material for planting is a cutting that has 6–8 buds and mature wood. The sprout is cut at an oblique angle and must have a smooth surface, for which the cut is made with a sharp blade or scalpel. Such a cutting takes root easily and quickly, especially if it is placed in water in which a means to stimulate root growth is diluted for 6 hours. From the first days after planting, the plant does not require special care. The main thing is to prepare fertile soil composition.

Temperature indicators, soil and fertilizing

Indoor pomegranate is demanding temperature conditions especially at the time of flowering. The plant feels great when the room temperature is slightly above +20 °C. If the room temperature is above +25 °C, leaf fall may occur, causing inhibition in the development of the grant. To reduce the temperature, spraying the foliage with cool water is suitable.

In order for the fruits of the plant to ripen qualitatively in autumn period, the pomegranate should be taken out to the balcony where the temperature will be +14–16 °C. During the period when the plant is at rest - from November to March, it is better to place the pot of pomegranate on an unheated windowsill, where the temperature will not exceed +10–12 °C. The minimum temperature that a houseplant can withstand is -5 °C. A further decrease in temperature can lead to the death of the bush.

Despite the fact that the dwarf plant grows in its usual environment in poor soil without moisture, at home it will need high-quality enriched, drained soil. For creating favorable conditions for growing decorative pomegranate it is better to use the following soil mixtures:

• ½ part of turf soil, diluted with 25% leaf humus and the same amount of sand;
• ¼ part each of loam and peat, supplemented with sand;
• clay-turf soil composition in a volume of 2 parts, 1 part of leaf soil and the same volumes of humus and sand.

Indoor pomegranate needs to be fed at least 2 times a month. In the spring, it is better to use fertilizers containing nitrogen. In time, when pomegranate flowers appear on the plant, phosphorus fertilizer is used, and with the onset of autumn, potassium fertilizer is used. Fertilizer is applied to moist soil in cloudy weather. With the onset of autumn, the frequency of fertilizing decreases significantly, as does the temperature in the room where it is located. homemade pomegranate. This allows you to prepare the plant for winter.

Caring for a plant at home

Home-grown decorative pomegranate is already after 2 years the first flowers appear, and when proper care may bear fruit. And despite the fact that the plant is unpretentious in terms of care, you need to know some of the nuances of growing pomegranate on the windowsill:

This absolutely unpretentious plant , grown at home, during the growing season must travel around different rooms with different temperature conditions.

How is the crown of a bush formed?

At self-cultivation the tree's crown can be easily shaped, embodying your wildest fantasies. For this purpose, home-grown pomegranate is subjected to regular pruning. Trimming the plant forms a rather lush crown with a large number of skeletal branches. It is better to prune in February, which allows you to get new shoots that can bloom and even bear fruit with the onset of spring. When forming the crown, it is important to take into account that it is advisable to completely remove weakened shoots and cut the rest by half.

The nuances of propagating pomegranate seeds

A houseplant like pomegranate can be propagated by both cuttings and seeds. For seed propagation, it is better to use seed material from specialized stores. When growing a houseplant from seeds purchased at a gardening store, the first flowers may appear in the first year, and fruiting 2–3 years after planting pomegranate.

Naturally, as seed material You can use seeds from fresh fruit, which do not lose their germination quality for six months. Seeds are suitable only from large and fully ripened fruits. The plant is sown in April under glass, to a depth of half a centimeter. For rapid seed germination, it is important to maintain temperature regime within +25–27 °C. With the onset of the growth phase, when 2–3 leaves appear, the strongest shoots are transplanted into a separate container. As seedlings grow, they require proper care, which includes maintaining a comfortable temperature and regular watering.

Propagation of indoor plants by cuttings

When breeding exotic plant important follow these simple rules.

1. The cuttings are taken from an adult indoor plant that has repeatedly bear fruit.
2. IN summer period year, it is advisable to use semi-lignified shoots, and with the onset of winter, completely lignified shoots.
3. The cuttings are prepared with 4–6 buds, and the lower part is planted at a certain angle in moist soil consisting of sand and peat mixed in equal proportions, to a depth of no more than 3 centimeters.
4. The cuttings are covered with a plastic bottle with the neck cut off or a glass jar.
5. The shoots are kept in a humid environment and ventilated regularly.
6. Before direct landing the cutting is treated with a rooting agent.

After 3 months, the strengthened seedlings are transplanted into separate pots. Flowering occurs very quickly, but in the first year it is recommended to cut off the flowers completely.

Diseases encountered when growing pomegranate

Despite all the unpretentiousness of the plant, even in apartment conditions it is susceptible to the development of various diseases, the most common of which is spider mites. To combat the pest, pomegranate is periodically sprayed garlic tincture. But it is important to protect the soil with film during the procedure.

If yellowing and falling leaves are observed during the growing season, then most likely the plant is infected with whitefly, which feeds on pomegranate juice. Can be used to control pests store-bought product "Derris", which is applied several times for better effect.

Abundant flowering is a guarantee of fruiting

A plant grown correctly at home, both from a seed and from a cutting, has flowers. different types– male predominant on pomegranate and female, most often found in inflorescences. They differ in their shape, which makes the plant even more attractive and exotic in appearance, because at this moment the bush is covered with beautiful flowers of bright purple color with many stamens. The ease of caring for decorative pomegranate is also due to the absence of the need for additional pollination.

Those who want to get the maximum amount of fruit from the plant should understand one minor subtlety that is used when growing pomegranate experienced specialists. The trick is due to the fact that for watering during flowering you need to use cool water, the temperature of which should be between +18–20 °C. Also, to prevent the plant from fattening and producing a huge number of male flowers, you need to use a small and narrow flowerpot.

Many gardeners use another minor trick - reducing the volume of watering. But it is important to exercise maximum caution and not overdo it so that the pomegranate does not die. It is better to sacrifice a few ovaries than to let the plant wither.

If a plant produces a very large number of flowers, producing virtually no fruit, you should pay attention to the pot in which it grows. As has already been mentioned many times, it is necessary to use narrow container small sizes . Also, during the wintering of the grant, you need to keep the tree in a fairly cool place. During fruiting, supports are used to avoid branches breaking off under the weight of the crop.

If the leaves appeared brown spots, which means the plant lacks moisture. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider the frequency or volume of watering. But at the time of fruit ripening, watering should be moderate to prevent cracking of the peel. The crown of the plant is formed only before the beginning of the growing season.

If the plant is planted not with cuttings, but with seeds, it is important choose seeds with pulp. Dried seed loses its ability to germinate well. According to the advice of many experienced flower growers Before directly planting pomegranates, it is advisable to soak the seeds for several hours in warm milk or water with the addition of growth stimulants.

As you can see, growing decorative pomegranate at home is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to follow the advice of experts and the exotic tree will delight the gardener long years.