Domakihub How to Grow a Pomegranate Tree That Actually Fruits
From planting to your first harvest — a practical guide for Greek gardens, terraces, and hotel grounds.
Reviewed by Domakihub garden pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been cultivated in Greece for thousands of years, and for good reason — it thrives in the Mediterranean climate, tolerates dry summers, and rewards patient gardeners with striking red fruit from late September onward. Whether you manage a private garden, a holiday rental with outdoor space, or hotel grounds that need low-maintenance greenery, a pomegranate tree earns its place. The video above covers the plant's nature in depth; the steps below give you a clear, practical sequence to get one established and bearing fruit.
Why Pomegranates Suit Greece So Well
Pomegranates are native to a belt stretching from Iran through the Levant and into the Mediterranean basin, so the Greek climate is essentially their home. They handle summer heat and drought far better than most fruit trees, needing little irrigation once established — an important advantage during the hot, dry months of July and August across the mainland and islands.
They are also remarkably versatile in the garden: grown as a multi-stemmed shrub or trained as a single-trunk tree, they reach two to five metres, flower prolifically in orange-red from May to July, and then produce the distinctive fruit that doubles as seasonal decor. For holiday rentals and hotels, that ornamental value alone makes them worth planting.
Choosing the Right Variety and Site
The most common variety in Greek gardens is the local wild type, often simply sold as 'Wonderful' or under regional names at plant nurseries. For higher yields, look for named cultivars such as 'Wonderful', 'Mollar de Elche', or locally-selected Greek varieties available from agronomists and specialist nurseries in Crete and the Peloponnese. Dwarf varieties such as 'Nana' suit large pots on terraces or balconies.
Site selection is the single most important decision. Pomegranates need full sun — at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. They tolerate a wide range of soils, including the thin, alkaline soils common in much of Greece, but they will not forgive waterlogged ground. Avoid low-lying spots that collect rainwater in winter.
5 Steps to Grow and Establish a Pomegranate Tree
- 1
Plant in the right season with well-drained soil
The best time to plant a container-grown pomegranate in Greece is early spring (February to March) or autumn (October to November), avoiding peak summer heat. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage. Set the tree at the same depth it sat in its pot — burying the trunk causes rot. Water in well, then apply a 5 cm layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
- 2
Water deeply but infrequently during the first two years
Young trees need consistent moisture to establish roots, but overwatering is the most common mistake. Water deeply once a week during the first summer, letting the top few centimetres of soil dry out between waterings. Once the tree is two years old, rainfall in most parts of Greece is sufficient except during the driest months (June to August), when a deep watering every ten to fourteen days keeps the tree productive. Drip irrigation is ideal and saves water significantly.
- 3
Fertilise sparingly and at the right time
Pomegranates are not heavy feeders. Apply a balanced granular fertiliser (NPK 10-10-10 or similar) once in early spring as new growth begins, and optionally a second application in early June before flowering. Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilisers in summer — they push leafy growth at the expense of fruit. In alkaline Greek soils, a dose of chelated iron in spring prevents yellowing leaves caused by iron chlorosis.
- 4
Prune to shape and remove suckers
Light pruning in late winter (February) keeps the tree open to light and air, which reduces fungal problems and improves fruit size. Remove any crossing branches, dead wood, and — critically — the vigorous suckers that sprout from the base. If left unchecked, suckers divert energy from fruiting and turn a tree into a thicket. For a clean single-trunk form, remove all suckers as soon as they appear throughout the growing season.
- 5
Manage fruit split and harvest at the right moment
The main quality problem growers face is fruit splitting, which happens when irregular watering causes the skin to expand faster than the flesh. Consistent soil moisture — especially in August and September as fruit swells — is the best prevention. Harvest when the fruit makes a metallic sound when tapped (not a dull thud), the skin has turned deep red or bronze, and the crown has dried slightly. This is typically late September to November depending on variety and location. Cut the fruit off with secateurs rather than pulling, to avoid tearing the branch.
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FAQ
- Can I grow a pomegranate in a pot on a terrace or balcony?
- Yes, dwarf varieties such as 'Nana' are well-suited to large pots (minimum 50 cm diameter). Use a free-draining potting mix, place the pot in full sun, and water more frequently than you would for an in-ground tree since containers dry out faster. Repot every two to three years as the roots fill the container.
- How long does it take for a pomegranate tree to produce fruit?
- A container-grown tree from a nursery typically produces its first fruit in the second or third year after planting. Trees grown from seed take considerably longer — five to seven years or more — and may not replicate the qualities of the parent variety, so buying a grafted or cutting-grown plant is strongly recommended.
- Why are my pomegranate flowers dropping without setting fruit?
- Pomegranates produce two types of flowers: single-sex flowers (which drop naturally and do not set fruit) and bisexual flowers (which can set fruit). A high proportion of single-sex flowers is normal, especially on young trees or in their first flush. Poor pollination due to lack of bee activity can also be a factor. Ensure the tree has full sun, is not over-fertilised with nitrogen, and is not stressed by drought during flowering in May and June.