Growing a pomegranate tree from cuttings is a very popular and often successful method, especially because it ensures your new tree will be genetically identical to the parent plant (unlike growing from seed, which can lead to variations). While “very easily” is relative in gardening, it’s definitely achievable with the right technique and a little patience.
Here’s how to grow a pomegranate tree from cuttings:
1. When to Take Cuttings:
- Best Time: Late Winter to Early Spring (Dormant Cuttings). This is generally considered the most successful time. When the tree is dormant (before new leaves emerge), it puts its energy into root development.
- Alternative: Late Spring/Early Summer (Semi-Hardwood Cuttings). You can also take cuttings from young, semi-hardwood shoots after the tree comes out of dormancy but before they get too woody. These may root more readily, but success rates can vary.
2. Choosing and Preparing the Cuttings:
- Select Healthy Wood: Look for healthy, disease-free branches from the current or previous year’s growth. Avoid very thin, flimsy growth or very old, woody branches.
- Type of Cuttings:
- Hardwood Cuttings: These are typically 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long and about pencil-thickness (1/8 to 1/4 inch diameter). They should have at least 3-4 nodes (where leaves or buds were).
- Semi-Hardwood Cuttings: If taking them in spring/early summer, they’ll be a bit softer.
- Make the Cuts:
- Bottom Cut: Make a slanted cut (45-degree angle) just below a node. This increases the surface area for rooting and helps you identify the bottom of the cutting.
- Top Cut: Make a straight cut (90-degree angle) just above a node.
- Remove Leaves: If there are any leaves on your cutting (for semi-hardwood), remove all but the top 2-4 leaves to reduce moisture loss.
- Keep Them Moist: As soon as you take the cuttings, wrap them in a damp paper towel or place them in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.
3. Optional: Rooting Hormone
While pomegranates can root without it, a rooting hormone (liquid or powder, containing IBA – Indole-3-Butyric Acid) can significantly increase your success rate and speed up rooting.
- If using powder, dip the bottom 1 inch of the cutting into water, then into the rooting hormone powder, tapping off any excess.
- If using liquid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and dipping time. Some suggest scraping a thin layer of bark off the bottom 1 inch of the cutting before dipping to expose more cambium tissue.
4. Preparing the Rooting Medium:
- Choose a Well-Draining Mix: Pomegranates are susceptible to rot, so excellent drainage is critical.
- Good Options: Perlite, coarse sand, vermiculite, or a mix of half peat moss and half perlite/sand. Commercial seed-starting mixes that drain well also work.
- Container: Use pots or trays with drainage holes. Clean and sanitize them if they’ve been used before.
- Moisten the Medium: Pre-moisten your chosen rooting medium until it’s uniformly moist but not soggy.
5. Planting the Cuttings:
- Make Holes: Use a stick or pencil to create holes in the moistened rooting medium.
- Insert Cuttings: Carefully insert the bottom 2/3 to 3/4 of each cutting into the prepared holes. Ensure at least one node is buried below the surface.
- Don’t Compact: Avoid compacting the medium too much around the base of the cutting, as this can hinder root growth.
6. Providing the Right Environment:
- Light: Place the pots in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can be too intense for newly planted cuttings.
- Temperature: Aim for a consistent temperature between 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimal rooting. A heating mat can be very beneficial, especially in cooler climates.
- Humidity: This is crucial! Cuttings don’t have roots to absorb water, so they rely on absorbing moisture from the air.
- Humidity Dome/Plastic Bag: Cover the pots with a clear plastic bag, a DIY cloche (like an inverted clear plastic bottle or jar), or a humidity dome. Ensure the leaves don’t touch the plastic, as this can cause rot.
- Ventilation: If too much condensation builds up, occasionally lift the cover for a few minutes to allow for air circulation and prevent fungal issues.
- Watering: Keep the rooting medium consistently moist, but never soggy. Check the moisture level regularly and water sparingly when the top inch or two feels dry. Too much water will cause the cuttings to rot.
7. Patience and Aftercare:
- Rooting Time: Pomegranate cuttings can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks (or even longer) to root. Don’t be tempted to pull them out to check for roots!
- Signs of Rooting: You’ll know they’ve rooted when you see new leaf growth. Gently tugging on a cutting and feeling resistance is another good sign.
- Hardening Off: Once rooted and showing new growth, gradually acclimate them to less humid conditions before transplanting them. Slowly increase the time you leave the cover off over a week or two.
- Transplanting: Once well-rooted, you can carefully transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden if the weather conditions are suitable.
Growing in Water (Less Recommended for Pomegranates):
