Click here for our Pomegranate Tree Growing Guide (pdf)
Lee nuestra guia aqui: Guia de cultivo para granadas
Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee:
We guarantee that trees that are shipped dormant will leaf out the following spring if you follow our growing and handling instructions. Any dormant tree that does not leaf out can qualify for a refund if you submit a claim by May 15th. All deciduous fruit trees, persimmons, and jujubes need to be planted in the ground by April 1st to qualify for replacement unless you are in an area where the ground is still frozen at that time.
In the rare event that your dormant tree/plant has not leafed out by May 1st, please perform a “scratch test” to check for green under the bark. Just beneath the dry, outer layer of bark in a tree's trunk lies the cambium layer. In a living tree, this is green; in a dead tree, it is brown and dry. To perform a “scratch test”, scratch off the top layer of bark in a small spot on a branch and on the trunk. Be sure to do 1 test above the graft union, and a 2nd just below the graft union. If the scratch test reveals a brown cambium, that means your tree/plant is dead or dying.
To qualify for a refund, you must submit a claim via email to cs@fourwindsgrowers.com by no later than May 15th. Please include your order number in the subject line of your email.
Claims must include:
-photos of the scratch test areas
-your order number
-name(s) of trees affected.
We will review your claim and if approved, we will issue you a refund for the purchase price of your dormant tree (excluding shipping). We reserve the right to not issue a refund for items that have already been replaced.
Pomegranate trees will grow the best if you plant them in the warmest, sunniest spot in your yard. While pomegranates are not necessarily picky when it comes to soil types, but you will want to plant the tree in well-draining soil for the best results. Certain varieties can get quite large if left unmanaged so try to keep this in mind when selecting your final location.
Pomegranates are tough trees and will tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F. Though, areas with long winters and more than 200 chill hours will see a lack of fruit set as the excess cold temps will damage the blossoms unless otherwise protected.
To plant your pomegranate tree in the ground, dig a hole deep enough to cover the root
ball. We recommend digging a hole in a cone shape and planting the tree to the center of
the cone. Plant so that the top of the root ball is flush with the native soil level. If your location
has heavy clay soil create a mound about 12” above the native soil line with a better draining
soil mix of compost and mulch.
For container growing, you will want to create a soil mix that is 5-parts coarse bark, 1-part
coarse perlite, and 1-part premium potting soil. This soil mix is designed for maximum
drainage which reduces the chances of root disease.
When transplanting check for roots collecting at the bottom of the pot. Gently loosen up the
roots at the bottom to help them quickly extend into the surrounding soil.
Tamp (pack) down soil several times while backfilling the hole to avoid air pockets. After
planting, water the tree to settle the soil firmly around the roots. Make a basin for future
watering. By the end, you should have your tree planted so that the top of the root ball is
level with the native soil level.
How often to water will vary on the environment and depends on soil porosity, tree size, and temperature. Allowing the top of the soil to dry out between watering is recommended. A simple moisture meter, available at garden supply stores, can be used to determine moisture down to about a 9” depth. Generally, when the meter indicates a root moisture level of about 50%, (center of the dial) it is time to water. Always store your moisture meter dry between uses to keep it functioning properly. New plantings need sufficient water to thrive and get established. Thereafter established pomegranates only need watering about once every 2-3 weeks during the dry season. Soils with ample organic matter have better water holding capacity.
Pomegranates benefit from rich fertile soils, especially during their first few seasons of growth and establishment. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when you water in the spring being sure to keep away from the trunk. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fertilizing your trees to prevent nutrient burn. Organic plant foods like worm castings, compost, and compost teas are great ways to feed your trees as well. Again, be sure to feed your tree at least 6” away from the trunk.
Pomegranates can be pruned as a shrub or tree. For tree shape, when it reaches 2 feet tall the young tree should be cut back to the point where only 4 or 5 shoots are allowed to develop, taking care to maintain a balanced form. Remove suckers and unwanted shoots as they appear. If selected branches are about a foot from the ground the resulting tree will have a short and well-defined trunk. Fruits are produced on new growth tips. If trees' branches are cut back annually for the first three years, selected branches will grow many side shoots, thus producing a tree with maximum fruit productivity and appealing form. After initial pruning and shaping in the first three years, only occasional suckering and dead branch removal will be necessary. Remove all spoiled fruit from the tree to avoid potential pest & disease issues in the future.
