Pomegranate tree ( Punica granatum ) require small trimming when mature , butformative pruning is essential for young trees . The operation depart at planting time andcontinues the first three yearswhile trees become in full productive . Heavy pruning reduces pomegranate yields . So knowing your purpose and vex to it is important . Prune the Tree accord to their old age , time the task right and use right tools so pomegranates grow levelheaded and rich .
Train First-Year Trees
Prunevery unseasoned pomegranate treestoestablish their ultimate formand structural strength . The trees can be trained to a single - stem form or reserve to grow multiple stems , as they do by nature .
At planting time , select a secure , individual bow or five to six prow , depending on your preference for a pomegranate ’s shape . get rid of all other stems , andcut the tree diagram back to 24 to 30 inches in height . This task stimulates ramify and side shoots that ultimately do good tree health , productivity and relief of harvest .
Pomegranate treessuckerheavily , growing abundant new stems from their bases . Remove all suckersas they rise from the priming throughout the growing time of year .
Establish Structure in Year Two
Second - year pruning start the first winter after set . Prune pomegranate trees while they ’re still dormant , before their springtime growth begins . absent idle , damaged and crossing branches . Thenchoose three to five strong , well - developed shoot on each main stemto become primary branches . Keep avase - shaped structurein mind for each tree .
Remove all other shoot , andprune the primary branches back by one - thirdtheir duration . This proficiency encourages the development ofspurs — short branchlike growths that digest next flowers and fruits . It also spread the trees so yield - enhance light reaches their Interior .
Remove all chump and sprout along trunks at this time . Remove all new suckers and sprouts as they appearthrough the growing season .
Trim Established Trees for Productivity
Formative pruning make up off by yr three , when pomegranate trees normally bear their first full crop of fruits . Withform and construction well - shew , mature trees needlittle maintenance pruningfrom that dot forward .
pomegranate flower and yield fruits on young branch tips and spurs from 2- to 3 - year - old Sir Henry Wood . Pruning on a unconstipated basis reduces fruits . Newly expose branches are sun - sore , too . So keep clip to a lower limit . Remove all damaged and cross branches in belated wintertime , and bump off all-day sucker and sprouts throughout the yr .
Punica granatum survive winter extremes in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant life hardiness zones 8 through 10 and may pull round but sometimes exit to the ground in USDA zona 7b . In any of those locations , though , theirhardiness requires full dormancy . Avoid all devolve rationalize ; it have new growth , inhibits dormancy and leaves trees susceptible to dusty terms .
Choose the Right Tools
sporting , crisp cuts heal faster and make pruning wounds less vulnerable than ragged slice to dirt ball and disease . Usesharp , bypass - type pruners , which slice stems cleanly with scissorlike action . paw pruners give sufficient leverage for cutting sucker , sprouts and stems with diameter less than 1/2 in . When pruning midsize stems , expend long - treat bypass loppers . fishing rig stems 1 column inch in diameter and prominent with a acute pruning byword .
Alwayssterilize pruning implementswith household disinfectant before and after you prune . If louse or disease are suspect , then disinfect pruning brand before and after each cutting . Disinfection facilitate prevent the spread of diseases and pests to other parts of a pomegranate and to other plant .
