Pomegranate trees are an underutilised fruit tree that bring autumn colour and edible rewards, says gardening columnist JACKIE WARBURTON. 

Pomegranate trees grow well in our region and are an underutilised fruit tree. 

They provide autumn colour, fruit and require minimal pruning once established. 

Older varieties were often grown as untidy shrubs or left unpruned, but shaping them into a small tree suits courtyards, compact spaces, or a hot, sheltered wall that holds summer warmth.

Planting pomegranates is best done in winter. Soil preparation can begin now by digging in compost and any manures available. Mulch the area well and allow the soil to settle until planting time in late winter, when bare-rooted plants are usually available.

Pomegranates can be expensive and take time to come into production – generally five to six years to flower and fruit. Grafted varieties may crop earlier than non-grafted plants, and where space is limited, a grafted pomegranate grown in a pot will help keep the plant compact and manageable.

They are self-fertile and do not require a second plant for fruit set. 

Pomegranates prefer a slightly acidic soil and benefit from light moisture during fruiting. Pine needles can be used as mulch beneath the plants, or they may be fed with camellia and azalea fertiliser. However, overfeeding encourages leafy growth at the expense of fruit, so fertiliser should be used sparingly.

Pruning needs are minimal. Pomegranates flower on old wood from the previous season’s growth and do not respond well to heavy cutting. In spring, once new growth has appeared, a light tidy-up is sufficient. With consistent watering during fruit development and good mulching, they will live for many years.

For our climate, good varieties include Elche, a Spanish selection with mid-sized fruit and pink flesh, and Wonderful, known for its red flesh. 

A CHARMING, old-fashioned perennial that returns each year, often self-seeding and signalling spring, is Bellis perennis. 

Although exotic, it is widely used here as a lawn or common daisy. In spring, its small button-like flowers can create a striking display across a lawn. Newer varieties offer larger blooms and a broader colour range.

They can be difficult to find as seedlings, but are easy to grow from seed. Use a quality seed-raising mix and maintain a warm environment of around 21-23°C through winter. If conditions are right, germination occurs in about 20 days.

A variety being trialled this year is Pomponette Mix (Bellis perennis), producing tight blooms in pink, scarlet red and white, ideal for pots.

THE ornamental garden moves into winter mode, but the work continues. Winter is the ideal time for pruning, when the structure of trees, shrubs, and plants is clearly visible with less foliage to remove.

Soil improvement is also important at this time. Keep beds weed-free and lightly cultivate where needed. This is an ideal period to add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manures. Pelletised fertilisers can still be used for winter-flowering plants and annuals, as they break down quickly. Synthetic fertilisers, however, should be avoided in cooler months as they rely on temperature to activate.

Jottings 

• Continue to rake leaves and compost.
• Water under trees and shrubs in winter.
• Dig over soil for new fruit trees.
• Remove all fallen and mummified fruit.

jackwar@home.netspeed.com.au