Pomegranates

ASK THE EXPERTS

Q - My pomegranate fruit splits before it’s ready for harvest. What can I do?

A - Most gardeners who grow pomegranates experience some fruit splitting. This is a natural occurrence and allows seeds to disseminate and produce more trees, explains Patrick Hallman, a member of the Arizona Rare Fruit Growers. Hallman says consistent soil moisture and mulching help reduce fruit-split. Water every two weeks from April through early September as fruit is developing. Otherwise, irrigate monthly. Each irrigation should soak through the root zone to a depth of 2 to 3 feet. Maintain 6 inches of mulch around the base of the tree, as this maintains consistent soil moisture between irrigations. Begin harvesting pomegranates as early as Oct.15 in the low desert. The Phoenix-based Arizona Rare Fruit Growers is currently testing more than 90 varieties of pomegranates in the area to determine which do best in local growing conditions. The group sells trees at semiannual plant sales and welcomes guests at its meetings. See azrfg.org for more information.