Pomegranate Planting Guide
Pomegranates are drought-tolerant shrubs or small trees producing fruits filled with jewel-like, sweet-tart arils. They thrive in hot, dry climates and make excellent hedges.
Punica granatum · Fruit · Lythraceae family · 730–1095 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Pomegranate Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Pomegranate?
Pomegranate Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Pomegranate planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | — |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | — |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 15 | — |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Jan 15 | — |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Pomegranate is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Pomegranate benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Pomegranate
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
Drought tolerant — water only when soil is dry 2" deep.
🧪 Soil pH
5.5 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 7a – 10b
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Lythraceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Lythraceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Pomegranate to Grow
Pomegranate takes 730–1095 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Pomegranate
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Pomegranate
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water deeply but infrequently. Prune to maintain shape and remove suckers. Harvest when fruits have developed full color and sound metallic when tapped.
Saving Pomegranate Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Level Up Your Garden
Pomegranate by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Pomegranate?
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) takes 730 to 1095 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Pomegranate grow in?
Pomegranate can be grown in USDA zones 7a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Pomegranate need?
Growing Pomegranate requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Low — drought tolerant, and soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.