Can pomegranates grow in containers?

Dwarf pomegranate varieties such as 'Nana' and 'Ambrosia' will flourish in containers with a capacity of around 15 gallons. I used to grow very productive trees on urban balconies in whiskey-barrel planters. Container plants often produce fruit 1-2 years faster than in-ground specimens simply due to root restriction stress. Ensure there are 3 or more drainage holes in the pot.

Soil composition is incredibly important to your success in containers. I have developed a mixture that is 60% potting mix, 30% coarse sand and 10% compost. I find this soil composition prevents water-logging, while providing moisture and nutrients to the roots of the plant. I also recommend adding worm castings every spring as a top-dress. The one product I would avoid is garden soil: it compacts and can hold pathogens.

Root control teaches against binding. Every 3 years take the tree from its pot. Trim circling roots with a sterile saw. My 8-year-old ‘Nana' needed to have 40% of its roots removed last March - it flowered profusely the following summer. Repot the substrate into a fresh mix, increasing the size by 5 gallons every time.

Winter care varies according to zone. In temperatures below 20°F (-7°C), bring pots into a garage or wrap the pots securely with frost cloth. I use wheeled plant caddies to easily move the pots inside or outside. During dormancy, I reduce watering to once a month. Leaf drop indicates a time of rest, and you can fertilize again when buds begin to swell.

Sun exposure must be fine-tuned. Container-grown trees, want six or more hours of sunlight in a day but also can overheat in temps above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius. Rotating pots 90 degrees every week will help the trees grow evenly. Afternoon shade screens help with my south-facing trees in temps over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 degrees Celsius. Curling leaves are a sign of stress.

Read the full article: How to Grow Pomegranate: Expert Tips for Success