where is pomegranate produced

Introduction

The pomegranate ( Punica granatum) is a naturally dense, deciduous, bushy, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows to heights of 10 to 12 feet and bears highly colored fruit with many juicy seeds inside. In some regions, pomegranates are trained into small trees with a single trunk.

History

In old Latin, the name Malum punicum literally translates to "Apple of Grain" or multi-grain, in reference to the multiple seeds in the fruit. However, the current Latin name Punica granatum L.

Climate

Most pomegranate cultivars are hardy down to 12 degrees F, with the hardier types surviving without damage down to 7 degrees F. Anecdotal evidence suggests that hard-seeded varieties are more cold-hardy than the soft-seeded types.

Soil and Site Selection

Pomegranates perform best on deep loamy soils, but will still grow quite well in sandy and clay soils. Trees are tolerant of moderately acid to slightly alkaline soils and grow best in a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. Though pomegranates can tolerate short periods of standing water, they prefer well-drained soils.

Propagation

Pomegranates can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are the preferred means of propagation, but softwood cuttings collected in early fall can be used with varying degrees of success. A tree from a hardwood cutting will bear fruit in year two after planting, while it will take at least three years from seed.

Orchard Establishment

Rooted hardwood cuttings are planted bare root in late winter or early spring. Pomegranates can be placed directly in-ground or on raised beds. The latter is recommended, especially if a high water table or poor drainage is suspected.

Irrigation

Though pomegranates are very drought tolerant, ensuring adequate soil moisture will result in a substantial improvement in plant vigor and fruit yield. Furthermore, providing adequate water throughout drought periods will help minimize the amount of fruit splitting when the rain returns. Drip irrigation is the preferred method.

Characteristics

The pomegranate plant generally grows as a multi-stemmed bush or small tree that can reach a height of 10 to 12 feet at maturity. The branches have thorns or small spines and produce dark green glossy leaves that dry and drop over the winter months.

Timing

Growing a pomegranate tree that produces fruit requires time and the proper conditions. During its first three years, a young, newly planted tree is unlikely to bear usable fruit, although it may have small fruits that drop before they reach maturity.

Cultural Requirements

Fertilizing a pomegranate tree with the correct formula at the right times is also important in helping a young tree to begin fruit production. Generally, a tree needs an application of a balanced fertilizer three times each year: in early spring, late spring and summer.

Pruning and Watering

Correct pruning is also important in helping a young pomegranate tree bear fruit. Since pomegranate fruits grow only at the tips of new growth, it is important to tip-prune young trees to encourage the maximum number of new branch tips.

Introduction

Marketing Channels

Production

• The most recent Census of Agriculture from 2012 states that the U.S. had 1,056 pomegranate farms and was growing pomegranates on 32,887 acres. That was a substantial increase from 2007, when there were just 599 farms and 24,517 acres. At the time of the 2012 census, 29,667 acres were bearing production (NASS, 2014). California produces more than 90...

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Management

Financial

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