Pomegranate Farming

Pomegranate prefers well‑drained, fertile loamy soil. Avoid heavy clay and very sandy soils.

Requires 6–8 hours of full, direct sunlight daily.

Dig pits of 60 × 60 × 60 cm. Fill with topsoil + 20–25 kg compost/FYM + 1–2 kg neem cake.

Place seedling upright, ensuring graft union stays above soil level. Backfill gently to avoid air gaps.

Water thoroughly to settle soil.

Apply mulch (5–8 cm layer) using dry leaves, straw, or wood chips to conserves moisture, regulates soil temperature, improves root health.

Provide temporary shade for 4–6 weeks if sun is intense to protect young plants

Water 2–3 times per week, especially during hot or dry weather. 

Avoid waterlogging, as pomegranate roots are highly sensitive to root rot. Reduce watering during cool or rainy seasons.

Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch such as coconut husk, straw, dry leaves, or wood chips.

Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve root health.

Remove dead, diseased, weak, or crossing branches regularly.

Proper pruning improves airflow, reduces disease pressure, and promotes early and increased fruiting.

Apply a balanced NPK fertilizer during the active growing season to support strong vegetative growth and fruit development.

Provide organic compost or farmyard manure (FYM) once a year to enhance soil structure and maintain long-term fertility.

Common Pests affecting pomegranate are caterpillars, aphids, Mealybugs and fruit flies.

Collect and destroy damaged fruits, remove weeds and alternate host plants.

Maintain proper canopy opening to improve airflow and reduce pest buildup.

Apply neem oil (2–3 ml/litre) at flowering and fruit set.

Light traps (1 per hectare) to monitor adult activity.

Pheromone traps for fruit flies.

Remove weeds and fallen fruits regularly.

Cover fruits with polythene bags when they are 5 cm long to prevent borer entry.

Pomegranate fruits are ready 5–6 months after flowering.

Skin turns from green to deep red or yellowish‑red, depending on variety.

Fruit becomes glossy and smooth.

Fruit makes a metallic sound when tapped.

Harvest fruits by hand or with secateurs to avoid damage.

Cut with a short stalk attached to reduce bruising.

Handle carefully—pomegranates are prone to cracking if dropped.

Avoid harvesting immature fruits as they taste sour and have poor shelf life.