How to prune a pomegranate tree?

The pomegranate tree is loved by people for its fiery red flowers and auspicious fruits. Not only does it symbolize many children and good fortune, but its fruit is also sweet and sour and rich in nutrients. However, timely pruning and management are essential to ensure that the pomegranate tree grows luxuriantly and bears abundant flowers and fruits. Let’s learn how to prune a pomegranate tree.

1. Spring thinning

Spring is the beginning of the growth of pomegranate trees. The main purpose of pruning around May is to thin out flowers and branches. Properly removing some flowers can reduce unnecessary loss of nutrients. At the same time, dense, weak or diseased branches can be cut off to optimize ventilation and light conditions and promote healthy growth of fruits.

2. Prune long branches and fruits and vegetables in summer

Summer pruning focuses on controlling leggy branches to reduce nutrient loss and increase ventilation and light penetration into the tree. Properly stretching branches that are too high can help shorten the tree shape and make it easier to manage. The purpose of fruit thinning is to prevent alternate bearing, remove overcrowded or diseased fruits, and ensure that healthy fruits are left.

3. Pruning long branches for fruit picking in autumn

Autumn is the season for harvesting pomegranates. The fruits must be picked in time, usually before winter, to prevent the branches from being overloaded. After picking the fruits, prune the branches that are too long to maintain the beautiful shape of the tree and promote ventilation and light transmission.

4. Heavy pruning in winter

Winter pruning is an important time to adjust the tree shape and improve ventilation and light conditions. Heavy pruning involves shortening or removing large branches, leaving only those that bear flowers and fruits. When pruning, pay attention to the principle of "three sparse and three dense", that is, make the upper and outer branches of the tree sparse, and the lower and inner branches dense, while ensuring overall ventilation and light transmission.

In addition, for pomegranate trees that only bloom but do not bear fruit, they can be heavily pruned every three years to shorten aging branches and promote the growth of side branches in order to produce more beautiful flowers.

The above is the careful pruning and management of pomegranate trees throughout the year. It can be adjusted according to the growth conditions and tree vigor of the pomegranate tree, so that the pomegranate tree will be able to grow better and enjoy abundant fruits every year.