San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Rich history of the pomegranate
Star of mythology and cuisine at home in your yard
Unbeknownst to most of us, the simple pomegranate might represent the richest source of mythology and symbolism of any fruit in the history of humankind. Its storied history begins in the Bronze Age (about 3,500 B.C. to 1,000 B.C.), making it one of the oldest cultivated fruits in human existence. Native to the regions of modernday Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India, it has played a central cultural role in countries as diverse as Egypt, China, Israel, Spain, Korea and Greece. It shows up in religious and profane symbolism alike, was used in a variety of practical ways (food, clothing dyes) and has even been used to signify both fecundity and more overt sexuality.
Pomegranates are easy to grow in our Bay Area regions and are hardy down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer full sun to fully ripen, and fertile, well-drained soil. Most of the popular, commercially available pomegranates grow more as a bush rather than as a tree, typically reaching a height of 10 to 15 feet.
Effective pruning will leave five or six strong branches. Trees are very drought tolerant. Proper watering, but not overwatering, will reduce twigginess and the possibility of fruit cracking. Purchased in 5-gallon containers, plants will begin fruiting in year two and will reach their peak by year four or five.
For those simply wanting to purchase the fruit, fall is the ideal season and markets will no doubt be full of these delicious fruits.
Pomegranate as an ornamental shrub
At our nursery, we probably sell as many pomegranate bushes for ornamental use as we do to grow the fruit. They produce some of the most beautiful flowers found on any fruiting tree or shrub. Whether in a single form or the double Flore Pleno, the tubular, flared flowers are a vivid red. When in full bloom, these shrubs are spectacular.