When is the best time to prune a pomegranate tree?

Pomegranate Tree Overview

Pomegranate trees prefer an environment with plenty of sunlight and are relatively cold-resistant. They are suitable for planting in moist and fertile calcareous soil. Their flowering period is from May to July. They have a wide distribution range and can be cultivated in fields and courtyards. They can also be potted for viewing and eating.

Pomegranate tree pruning time

1. Pruning of pomegranate trees in spring

Pomegranate trees are usually pruned in spring from April to May. At this time, the plants are in the budding stage and the early stage of budding. Flowers and buds can be thinned out, diseased branches can be pruned, and dense twigs, diseased branches, and old branches can be thinned out. The bell-shaped buds on the pomegranate tree should also be thinned out. Pruning at this time can adjust the proportion of fruit branches of the pomegranate tree.

2. Pruning of pomegranate trees in summer

In summer, pomegranate trees are mainly pruned in June and July. The main purpose at this time is to increase the number of female flowers and the amount of fruit set. Because pomegranate trees generally bloom three times, the main task of summer pruning is to thin the flowers, remove the bell-shaped buds, and retain the tubular and gourd-shaped buds.

3. Pomegranate tree autumn pruning

Pomegranate trees are generally pruned in autumn from August to October. As the fruits ripen in autumn, more nutrients will be consumed, so thinning and root pruning are the main tasks. Newly sprouted branches, overgrown branches, weak branches, and diseased branches on the pomegranate trees should be cut off from the base of the branches to reduce nutrient loss. After the fruits are harvested, root pruning can be carried out in combination with topdressing.

4. Pruning pomegranate trees in winter

The time is generally from December to January every year. The winter pruning of pomegranate trees is mainly to cultivate the tree shape. Diseased and insect-infested branches and old and dead branches can be pruned away to allow the main branches and side branches to have enough growth space. Then, during the thinning process, pay attention to retaining the fruiting mother branches with flower buds. Branches with diseases and pests must be dealt with in a centralized manner after pruning to avoid the spread of diseases and pests.

How to prune a pomegranate tree

1. Pruning of young trees: Allow the pomegranate tree to grow naturally in the first year. In the second year (February-March), keep 1-3 strong branches on each tree to serve as the main trunk. Remove all other branches. Prune the young buds and shoots at the base of the trunk at any time. The tree will be shaped in August-September of the third year.

2. Thinning branches: Remove the sprout branches (tender branches), drooping branches, horizontal branches, harmful branches and dead branches, so that the branches are evenly distributed, increase ventilation and light transmission. When the pomegranate tree flowers are gone, thin out the thin and weak branches appropriately to reduce nutrient consumption.

3. Pruning of leggy branches: If leggy branches grow on the main trunk and base of the main branches of the pomegranate tree, they need to be pruned as soon as possible. If leggy branches sprout in the middle of the crown, 2 to 3 can be left if it helps expand the crown. Any leggy branches that disturb the tree should be cut off from the base.

Pomegranate tree pruning precautions

The pomegranate tree is pruned in different ways at different stages. In the first year after planting, all branches and leaves are retained to allow it to grow slowly. In the second year, the main branches need to be retained, and the thin branches on the trunk and the sprouts on the ground must be pruned cleanly. For the first fruit trees, side branches and fruiting branches should be cultivated, and light pruning and thinning should be carried out.