Planting pomegranate trees in France: complete guide - Cultivation care and maintenance

The pomegranate tree, an iconic fruit tree, is renowned for its delicious fruit and natural hardiness. However, to maximize its productivity and ensure a quality harvest, it requires proper care. From pruning to disease prevention and pest management, every step counts to maintain the health of your trees and produce delicious pomegranates.

In this article, discover all the essential practices for growing your pomegranates and optimizing their production.

Pruning the pomegranate tree: an essential technical gesture

Pruning is essential for maintaining the health of pomegranate trees and ensuring optimal fruit production. It helps structure the tree, increase ventilation, and improve the fruit's exposure to light.

Why prune?

• Remove dead wood and unnecessary branches: this prevents the spread of disease and improves the overall appearance of the tree.
• Facilitate light penetration: essential for even ripening of fruit.
• Prevent fruit injuries: By reducing branch friction, fruit remains intact and less susceptible to infection.

Pruning Basics

• Fruiting on old wood: The pomegranate tree produces fruit on wood that is at least two years old. Overly severe pruning can compromise the harvest for several seasons.
• Favor light pruning: only remove unnecessary branches, suckers and twigs that cross.

Types of size to know

• Training pruning: Carry this out in the first year. Cut the main scion 30 cm from the ground to select 3 to 5 main branches, which you can train to structure the tree.
• Maintenance pruning: Perform this in winter, after the leaves have fallen. Thin out the center of the tree to allow light and remove any suckers.
• Fruit Thinning: Remove excess fruit, leaving only one fruit per bunch, for larger, more uniform pomegranates.

Protection against diseases and pests

Despite its natural hardiness, the pomegranate tree can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Regular vigilance and early intervention can ensure the longevity of your trees.

Common illnesses

• Alternaria: Symptoms: Reddish circular spots on fruit, leading to internal rot. Solutions: Treat preventively with copper oxychloride or other suitable fungicides.
• Root Rot: Causes: Overwatering or poor drainage. Prevention: Improve soil drainage and reduce overwatering.
• Botrytis: Symptoms: A gray mold affecting flowers and fruit. Solutions: Choose resistant varieties and adjust watering to avoid excessive humidity.

Pests to watch out for

• Mediterranean fruit fly: Set traps or apply specific treatments to prevent infestations.
• Pear leaf beetle: The larvae tunnel into the wood, weakening the tree. Use Bacillus thuringiensis for treatment.
• Aphids (Aphis punicae): Encourage natural helpers (such as ladybugs) and use organic insecticides if necessary.

Management advice

• Adopt organic or natural treatments to limit environmental impacts.
• Monitor your trees regularly to detect problems early.

Other cultural care for pomegranate trees

In addition to pruning and plant protection practices, other care is necessary to ensure the health and productivity of pomegranate trees.

Manual thinning

Thinning at the berry stage is essential to improve fruit size. It also ensures even ripening and reduces the risk of diseases associated with excessive density.

Soil management

• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around trees to conserve moisture and limit weed competition.
• Grassing between rows: An agroecological solution that preserves biodiversity and improves soil structure.

Irrigation management

Moderate but regular watering is crucial, especially during flowering and fruiting periods. Install a drip irrigation system for optimal watering.

Summary of good maintenance practices

• Regular pruning: adapt pruning according to the season and the age of the tree.
• Phytosanitary monitoring: quickly identify and treat diseases and pests.
• Soil and irrigation management: adopt agroecological practices and ensure controlled water supply.
• Biological treatments: promote environmentally friendly solutions for sustainable production.

FAQ

• When should you prune a pomegranate tree? Perform maintenance pruning in winter, after the leaves have fallen. Formative pruning begins the first year after planting.
• What are the main pests of the pomegranate tree? The most common pests are the Mediterranean fruit fly, aphids, and the pear leaf beetle.
• Is the pomegranate tree susceptible to disease? Although it is hardy, the pomegranate tree can be affected by diseases such as early blight, root rot, and botrytis. Regular monitoring is essential.
• Why thin fruit? Thinning improves the size of pomegranates and ensures even ripening.
• How to prevent root diseases? Ensure good soil drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• What are the benefits of mulching? Mulching retains soil moisture, limits weeds, and enriches the soil as it decomposes.

Grenadiverse: Your Wholesale Supplier of Pomegranate Plants

Looking to buy pomegranate trees to expand your plantation? Grenadiverse, a specialist wholesaler, offers a wide range of professional-quality pomegranate trees, produced by expert nurseries. We offer competitive prices and careful delivery throughout France, whether directly to your plot or to our store.

As pomegranate experts, we offer personalized technical advice to help your project succeed, whether it's for variety selection, pruning, or plant health management. Contact our team now for a free quote! Trust Grenadiverse for a simple, seamless, and hassle-free supply.