Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Lythraceae, Loosestrife Family
Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. From this day on I will bless you.
Haggai 2:19 NIV
Find pomegranates in the NIV God’s Word for Gardeners Bible at the end of Haggai & as part of the Garden Work theme of Bearing Fruit, page a-34 & a-35
The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exodus 39:26 NIV
Cultural Information
| Type | Edible Tree, Zone 7b |
| Height | 15 to 25 feet |
| Soil | variety of soils, well-drained |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Leaves | deciduous, medium green, slender, pointed; golden autumn color |
| Flowers | orange-red, bell-shaped, ruffly petals with clustered gold stamens at center, blooms late spring to summer |
| Fruit | vivid to burnished red, crown at base, thick-skinned, filled with a multitude of crimson, juicy, pulp-covered edible seeds; harvest fruit in fall |
Planting Tips
- pomegranate can take the heat, so plant in the sunniest spot of the garden
- pomegranates are sensitive to cold temperatures below 5⁰, shelter during extreme cold
- also does well in courtyards, standing up to reflected heat of glass and walls
- plants are multi-trunked; when plant is maturing in years 2-4, remove smaller stems and entangling shoots at base to leave sturdy, central structure
- trim lower branches and foliage to shape pomegranate as a small tree
- many cultivars and dwarf varieties are available, so check local recommendations and be sure to select for mature height desired and cold hardiness
- provide good drainage as trees may be susceptible to soil fungus
Garden to Table
- arrange bright red fruits in bowls or urns for a cheerful welcome at Christmas time
- use caution when securing fruits with wire for wreaths or arrangements and when peeling fruit for eating - juice will stain
- enjoy all by themselves! peeling and eating fresh pomegranate seeds yields a lingered time to savor the moment
- add pomegranate seeds to fruit salads, green salads, marinades, rice pilaf or cooked grain side dishes – their tart taste is wonderful fresh or cooked!
- try pomegranate juice for a tangy change from citrus juices
- dried fruits are also interesting for display, pair with Indian corn or wheat stalks for autumn arrangements - let fruits dry on the tree or picked
More Research
See Blog Posts on PomegranatePerhaps the most poignant pomegranate detail in Scripture was when God called for these plump fruits to be embroidered around the hem of the priestly garments, alternating with golden bells. These garments were made for ministering. Similarly, we are to wear, or bear, fruit for ministering.
-from the NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible
The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exodus 39:26 NIV
Photo Credits
Elnur | Dreamstime.com
Blackslide | Dreamstime.com
©2020 Shelley S. Cramm pomegranates on a backyard tree
