Cultivation

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  Pomegranates are tropical and subtropical fruits that grow on shrubs or trees. The plants grow from seeds, which easily germinate in approximately 6 weeks. As seedlings develop into plants, leaves are trimmed to promote a healthy single stalk that will become the trunk of the pomegranate tree or bush.
  
  

Growth and Pollination

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  Pomegranate trees naturally grow suckers from the base of the plant that must be removed to allow a tree to develop. Pomegranate plants self-pollinate and are cross-pollinated by insects (see Resources). Self-pollination results in a lower percentage of fruit than cross-pollination.
  
  

Development and Harvest

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  As pomegranate plants develop, they grow dark, shiny green leaves. Some plants may have thorns. Pomegranate stem bark changes colors from red-brown to gray. Once the plant flowers, fruit ripens in about 6 or 7 months. During the first two years, plants may drop fruit a great deal. By the third year, the trees reach maturity and fruit can be harvested. Fruits will ripen only on the tree.