Q: I have an Angel Red variety pomegranate tree that is 5 years old. It is producing a very good crop of fruit this year. Iβm concerned about the care of my tree.Β Specifically, I would appreciate your advice on:
How often does it need fertilizing? Iβve been fertilizing only in the early spring.
How often should I water it in these very hot and dry conditions?
A:Β Pomegranates are tough plants that grow well in our arid conditions as long as we care for them. I recommend fertilizing once in the spring and then again in the fall. The fertilizer should be complete in that it contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 formulation. Irrigation should be provided every one to two weeks during the summer to a depth of 24 to 36 inches.
Keeping consistent irrigation throughout the growing season also helps prevent fruit from splitting. Pruning is something you do each winter to remove dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Also remove watersprouts and suckers as they appear.
Proper pruning involves removing these parts near the connection with larger branches, avoiding flush cuts and not leaving stubs either. There is more information on pruning available if you need it so please let me know. If you are okay with the natural shrubby form, this might be all you need to do. If you are trying for a tree form, there is more maintenance pruning to shape the plant and keep it that way.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to
