Written by Growing pomegranates easily at home
Marcotting is by far the easiest method for the propagation of pomegranate shrubs.
We will be potting three clones from a host tree and comparing the fruit for size, taste, and overall quality. Growing pomegranates from seeds can have unexpected results according to the experts, and its fruit is usually not as good as the host tree. Why this is so, is beyond me.
However, the most definite and predictable method is air-layering the branches of a host bush. The clone will produce fruit identical to the host plant.
This is exactly what I will be doing with my pomegranate tree. I have identified four branches that I will use for the clones. I will use two rooting pods and two makeshift plastic bags. My rooting medium of choice is a germination mix which comes in a 30 cubic decimeter bag.
Since the bark or outermost layer of the pomegranate stem is hard, we will use a number 2, rooting powder.
Method:
Fill the bags and/or pods with germination mix and moisten the medium.
Prepare the branches that you want to clone. This method requires removing the bark, and then scraping off the cambium layer. When the cambium layer is not removed properly, the stem will heal itself and roots will not develop.
The host tree is a clone of a bearing tree and was planted just over a year and a half ago; if we add another two years for the time spent in its pot, that makes three and a half years. We still need to add a year for the time it spent with the propagator. The original host is some two decades old.
What about plant protection?
I prefer not to use chemicals at all. We use a simple neem oil medium to protect the fruit and leaves against aphids and similar bugs.
Food for your pomegranate bush
A preferable NPK ratio is 5-10-5.
Phosphorus will encourage the production of flowers, nitrogen takes care of the leaves and should be applied moderately, while potassium is given for plant wellness. Always choose a balanced NPK ratio for your plant and you will have great fruit. Bonemeal is a big one for all our plants; this is added at regular intervals.
Growing pomegranates in large pots
This is what we are going to do with our clones. We will be planting them in about a year or two into large pots just to see the resultant quality. Some of the things that will help, are good soil and food for your plant. Compost and mulch will be good for the plant.
Climate and Soil
Gauteng Province in South Africa is blessed with hot summers in the range 25 to 35 degrees centigrade with plenty of rainfall during the summer months. Evaporation is high due to the heat and mulching will be necessary to prevent water loss.
The soil is amended regularly due to its poor quality. Compost is also added regularly. Bear in mind that the pomegranate was originally native to harsh conditions such as the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa, and Europe. They will grow everywhere.
Update: 11 March 2024
The fruit although large, had a poor outcome, with the pomegranates splitting suddenly. After reading, I can attribute this to two causes, that I know of which are, irregular; irrigation due to the heavy rain, and the heat waves that we have been experiencing since February 2024.
Credit
This fabulous cultivar was given to me by my brother Alan Devar.
