Texas Pink Pomegranate Tree

1. Planting: Pomegranates need full sun (6 to 8 hours of sunlight) and well-drained soil.

Make your hole twice the size of the root ball and just as deep. Carefully remove the tree from its pot and gently comb the sides of the root ball with your hands to free up the roots a bit. Position the tree into the hole and keep it straight as you begin to backfill the hole. Tamp down with your hands to prevent air pockets from forming around the root system.

Water the planting area well (but do not over-saturate the soil) and then spread a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch to help conserve moisture.

If you're planting in a container, select a pot that will be large enough to grow the tree and be sure it has multiple holes in the bottom. Place the tree into the container and begin to fill in around the roots. Water your tree and tamp down on the soil, eliminating any air pockets that may have developed while potting the tree.

2. Watering: Pomegranates have a good tolerance to drought conditions but will perform best in somewhat moist soil. Typically, you'll water once or twice weekly. If you're not sure when to water, simply check the surrounding soil about 3 inches down. If the soil is dry here, it's time to water.

3. Fertilizing: Do not fertilize your tree for the first year of growth. In the second year, fertilizer may be needed to supplement a slow-growing tree. Apply 2 ounces of nitrogen in the spring and then an additional ounce each following year.

4. Pruning: Avoid doing any trimming in the tree's first year of growth. When you're ready, prune any dead or damaged branches after the threat of frost has passed and before new growth begins. Also, you can shorten larger branches to more flowering. Low-growing leaves or branches can be removed at any time.