Growing pomegranates in small spaces is quite possible, and it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you have a small balcony, terrace, or tiny garden, you can follow this step-by-step guide to successfully grow pomegranates, just like Lizy John and Devaraj K from Bengaluru, who are already growing pomegranates in compact urban spaces.
1. Start with the right variety
The most important step is to select a variety that will fit in your space. A dwarf or miniature pomegranate variety like the “Punica granatum var. Nana” is ideal for smaller spaces. This variety grows in containers and can even be grown as an ornamental bonsai.
2. Choose the right container
Lizy emphasises the importance of selecting the right container. She suggests using pots or large containers with good drainage. “Since they are fruit trees, they need more space for their roots. Therefore, it is always better to plant them in a large pot to avoid repotting later,” she suggests.
3. Use well-draining soil
Both home gardeners stress the importance of using well-draining soil to prevent root rot. They recommend using a mix of potting soil, compost, and a small amount of sand or perlite. This combination helps excess water drain away while still keeping the soil moist enough for the plant’s roots. Lizy also follows this method in her terrace garden, ensuring the soil remains light and airy, which supports healthy plant growth.
4. Layering the soil
To create an ideal growing environment for your pomegranate plant, start by layering the bottom of the pot with dried leaves. Next, add a layer of the soil mix on top. Repeat this process, alternating between dried leaves and the soil mix, filling the pot up to about three-quarters full. Allow the pot to rest for at least a week before planting the sapling, giving the layers time to settle and create a well-draining foundation for healthy root development.
5. Ensure plenty of sunlight
Pomegranates are warmth-loving plants that grow in full sun. It is essential to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day, a point that both Lizy and Devaraj emphasise in their gardening practices. You will notice a difference in the size and sweetness of the fruit when the plant receives an ample amount of sunlight.
6. Watering and organic manure
After planting the sapling, water it daily to keep the soil moist. To help retain moisture, cover the soil with dried leaves or coconut husks. Lizy also uses organic manure like home compost or cow dung.
She follows a simple fertilising method using a plastic bottle — she cuts off the bottom, buries the open mouth in the soil, and fills it with kitchen waste, dried leaves, and a mix of jaggery, buttermilk, or cow dung. A coconut shell covers the bottom, allowing nutrients to slowly drip into the soil. This method, she says, works well for any fruit tree.
7. Pruning and maintenance
Pruning is an essential practice recommended by both Lizy and Devaraj for maintaining the health and shape of pomegranate plants, especially when growing them in small spaces. Regular pruning helps remove dead or crossing branches, promoting better airflow and preventing diseases.
When growing pomegranate plants in pots or drums, it’s important to control their size to ensure healthy growth. To do this, it’s advised to prune the top of the plant once it reaches a height of around two to three feet. This encourages the plant to grow more robustly, enhancing its overall structure and supporting better fruiting.
8. Controlling pests
To protect pomegranate plants from pests, both gardeners recommend natural methods. Lizy suggests mixing five millilitres of neem oil with one litre of water and adding some soap or detergent. This solution can be sprayed onto the plants to keep pests at bay.
Alternatively, she also advises fermenting rice water, diluting it, and spraying it on the plants as another effective pest control method. Devaraj, on the other hand, grows chrysanthemums alongside his pomegranate plants. These flowers naturally repel insects, which reduces the need for frequent monitoring and pest management.
9. Harvesting the fruit
Pomegranate plants typically bear fruit within five to six months. Once the plant has matured and produced healthy and vibrant fruits, it is ready for harvest. The ideal time to harvest pomegranates is when their skin has turned a deep colour and they feel firm when gently squeezed.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury
