Pomegranate flowers.
The year 2011 has been named the Year of the Pomegranate by the California Rare Fruit Growers, and it looks like that may be true at our house. As I mentioned in a previous post, we now have five varieties of pomegranate trees. While most are too young to bear fruit, the Red Silk (?) and the Garnet Sash are covered in blossoms and fruit. The Garnet Sash is starting to lean under the weight.
Boy #1 and I enjoyed eating a pomegranate almost every day for a few weeks in August/September of last year, and this year, it looks like we'll have even more! Unfortunately, I think the extremely windy weather we've had the past month has caused some blossoms to drop, but we should still have a nice little harvest.
I don't understand why these trees aren't planted everywhere, they are so very very easy to take care of. Mine require almost no water, light fertilization, and only minor pruning. I think it would be possible to grow pomegranates with a total effort of around 30 minutes per year! The fruit is outstanding, and considering how much they cost at the grocery store, well worth the slight investment in purchasing a tree.
The most common variety, Wonderful, is said to be the worst tasting, but I've never had a pomegranate I didn't like. I think the real issue with Wonderful is that the fruit tends to split before it is truly ripe in our climate. If you're going to spend the money, I would say it is worth the effort to get the best variety you can (ask the Texas Rare Fruit Growers or Urban Harvest for recommendations), but if all you've got is Wonderful, you will still get some good fruit.
Boy #1 and I enjoyed eating a pomegranate almost every day for a few weeks in August/September of last year, and this year, it looks like we'll have even more! Unfortunately, I think the extremely windy weather we've had the past month has caused some blossoms to drop, but we should still have a nice little harvest.
I don't understand why these trees aren't planted everywhere, they are so very very easy to take care of. Mine require almost no water, light fertilization, and only minor pruning. I think it would be possible to grow pomegranates with a total effort of around 30 minutes per year! The fruit is outstanding, and considering how much they cost at the grocery store, well worth the slight investment in purchasing a tree.
The most common variety, Wonderful, is said to be the worst tasting, but I've never had a pomegranate I didn't like. I think the real issue with Wonderful is that the fruit tends to split before it is truly ripe in our climate. If you're going to spend the money, I would say it is worth the effort to get the best variety you can (ask the Texas Rare Fruit Growers or Urban Harvest for recommendations), but if all you've got is Wonderful, you will still get some good fruit.
What a difference a few months make.
Pomegranate tree of unknown variety, was told it was a Red Silk, but can't be sure.
Close up of immature fruit.
Close up of immature fruit.
Pomegranate fruit and flowers.
