Introduction
Many people have told me their pomegranate tree is thriving without any kind of fertilization or anything. In reply, I couldn’t say anything except waiting.
After 1-2 years have passed, those very same people came to me for help. So, what’s going on here?
Pomegranate trees indeed require minimal fertilization. But that doesn’t mean there’ll be brimful of fruits everywhere. As time passes, nutrients in the soil get sucked in by trees and plants. And you start seeing yellowing and other alarming symptoms.
Even if it isn’t asking for any, giving the best fertilizer for pomegranate trees can boost this tree’s overall growth rate. Moreover, a well-nourished tree can keep out diseases thanks to its robust immune system.
In this guide, I’ll be talking about 5 fertilizers suited for pomegranate trees. Apart from that, there will be a comprehensive guide discussing the right way to use fertilizers on this tree and everything.
Anyhow, that’s a lot of chit chats. So, let’s not waste any more time-
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| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| RECOMMENDATION | Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes | N-P-K Ratio : 15-5-10 Weight : 12 spikes(3 pounds) | Check Price |
| EDITOR’S CHOICE | Down to Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer Mix | N-P-K Ratio : 6-2-4 Weight: 5 pounds | Check Price |
| PREMIUM CHOICE | Jobe’s 100046754 1612 Fertilizer Spike | N-P-K Ratio : 3-5-5 Weight: 4 pounds | Check Price |
| TOP PICK | Jobe’s Organics 09226 Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer | N-P-K Ratio : 3-5-5 Weight: 4 pounds | Check Price |
| BUDGET PICK | Dr. Earth 708P Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer | N-P-K Ratio : 5-5-2 Weight: 4 pounds | Check Price |
1. Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes
The Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes is the best organic fertilizer you could give to your pomegranate trees. Being all-natural, the spikes don’t cause any harm to the environment.
Most importantly, the side-effects of overfeeding don’t show. The 12 spikes that come in this package should feed a single tree for several seasons.
Although that would depend on the size of the tree. As you already know, bigger trees will require fertilizer. But the good part is, your pets and other animals won’t get harmed if they accidentally eat it.
Speaking of that, the spikes don’t have a strong odor. So, chances are less that animals will be attracted by it. Nevertheless, you should make sure the spikes are set into the soil in the right manner.
With the right usage and everything, the roots will directly receive the nutrients. Which means there will be no wastage.
2. Down to Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer Mix
The Down to Earth Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer Mix is specially formulated for fruit trees and shrubs. The 6-2-4 N-P-K ratio clearly shows how it was focused on supplying high amounts of nitrogen to the tree.
Even though fruit trees such as pomegranate need other ingredients than nitrogen, there’s no denying this one’s the most important.
However, you have to supply other micronutrients for the bloom and strengthen the tree’s immune system. That’s why it has bone meal, fishbone meal, kelp meal, and other organic elements that stimulate growth and flower production.
Apart from all these, it comes with calcium. With the extra boost from calcium, the tree will be able to give you bountiful crops.
Most importantly, there’s no chance of overusing the fertilizer. Every ingredient in this fertilizer is organic. So, even if you accidentally use extra, it won’t disturb the tree.
3. Jobe’s 100046754 1612 Fertilizer Spike
I don’t remember how many times I’ve recommended this fertilizer to people. It isn’t surprising that everyone who used and is still using this product loves it.
It’s because of the fantastic results of this fertilizer. This slow-release fertilizer has the capability to bring back trees that are on the verge of death.
Despite being a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 3-5-5, it manages to boost the foliage and flower production.
While the nitrogen takes care of the growth process and photosynthesis, the other ingredients like potassium and phosphorus look after the nutrients transferring and respiratory systems.
However, it’s strength is also one of its weaknesses. As it’s not an organic fertilizer, it has various nutrients that promote rapid growth. But this also makes it easier to get damage from overfeeding.
That’s why you have to be extra careful when placing the spikes. When you put down the spikes, make sure to continue with regular watering. Otherwise, you might end up causing burns to the roots.
4. Jobe’s Organics 09226 Fruit & Citrus Fertilize
If you’re not a fan of inorganic fertilizers, then this one’s for you. Unlike the previous product from Jobe’s, this fertilizer is made out of all-natural ingredients.
Despite being a slow-release fertilizer, it starts working in as early as 2 days. Whether it’s a new tree or an established one, it should show optimum results. However, don’t think of fertilizing your pomegranate tree if it isn’t one year old yet. Doing that can do more harm than good.
Although the most exciting part about Jobe’s Organics 09226 is the Biozome. It’s a unique formula that mainly contains archaea. When these microorganisms reach the soil, it starts breaking down the materials. Eventually, that leads to faster growth and fruit production.
Other than that, it also assists in making the immune system stronger. With a healthy immune system, fighting off diseases gets much easier for the tree.
5. Dr. Earth 708P Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer
Dr. Earth 708P is different from other organic fertilizers. This manufacturer believes in sustainability. That’s why they’ve been collecting their ingredients from food scraps.
Right off the bat, you could tell that it wasn’t explicitly made for pomegranate trees or any trees for that matter. So, why did I suggest it?
Well, even though it doesn’t have specific ingredients, you need to know that they’ve been in the market since 1991. During this time, they’ve perfected their formula more and more.
Thus, the result is terrific in terms of growth rate and fruit production. If you really want to go all-natural, keep this one at the top of your list.
How to Make the Best Use of Fertilizers for Pomegranate Trees?
You call pomegranates a small tree or a large shrub. They can grow about 6 to 20 feet in height when they mature. But the size isn’t what matters. As you already know, pomegranate trees aren’t heavy feeders. In fact, they do just fine without fertilizers.
Even though pomegranate trees don’t need constant maintenance, giving them proper care can help this tree to produce a vast amount of fruits.
That’s why I coupled up a few factors you need to look out for when feeding pomegranate trees. Let’s start-
Type of Fertilizer
Despite having a low requirement for fertilizers, pomegranate trees do love it when you nourish them with nitrogen filled fertilizers. When the nitrogen gets into the roots, it boosts up the photosynthesis process, making the tree grow healthier.
However, only depending on nitrogen fertilizers isn’t an ideal thing. So, you should mix up with other ingredients. Try to look for a fertilizer that has nitrogen, ammonium sulfate, and phosphorus.
While the nitrogen looks after the tree’s overall growth, the phosphorus can amplify the flower production, eventually turning into fruits.
But if you don’t want to go through all that trouble of mixing the ingredients together, you could opt for pre-mixed fertilizers(the one’s on this list). A balanced 10-10-10 or 6-2-4 fertilizer would be perfect for this large shrub.
Timing
Fertilizing pomegranate trees are both easy and challenging at the same time.
How?
Remember how I said pomegranate trees don’t need that much fertilizer? Well, it doesn’t need fertilizer because it can’t take much. In simpler terms, it’s not a heavy feeder.
Often, people go overboard and put in extra fertilizer, expecting it would help the tree. It happens more when the flowers start showing up. You see, this is where most people end up killing their trees.
Never overfeed your pomegranate tree or any tree for that matter. Whether it’s blooming or not, stick to the usual routine.
And figuring out how much fertilizer this tree needs is rather simple. Allow me to demonstrate the process-
Suppose you bought a young pomegranate a few days back. It’s the beginning of spring, and you’re thinking of adding some fertilizer to the soil.
First off, measure the height of your tree. As it’s a young tree, it shouldn’t be more than 3 or 4 feet. If the height is 4 feet, you need 4 ounces of fertilizers. For every foot, you have to add one ounce.
However, pomegranate trees can grow up to 20 feet. That doesn’t mean you have to give 20 ounces of fertilizer. When the tree reaches 9 feet, that’s when you stop increasing the quantity.
Fertilizing in the early spring is done. Next up, you have to use fertilizers in the late spring. And for the final push, a dose in the early fall would do fantastic.
Whatever you do, make sure you don’t dig too much around the trunk area. Doing that can damage the roots. Maintain a 5-inch distance from the trunk of the tree. Water down the fertilizers after every usage, and it should be fine.
Soil
You can already guess that pomegranate trees are pretty flexible. Even with minimal care, these trees will thrive. This also applies to the soil type. From sandy to lime-rich soil, they can adjust to almost all types.
Just because it can handle all kinds of soil doesn’t mean you should take it lightly. So, try to select fertile and loamy soil filled with compost and manure. As for the soil pH, anything between 5.5 to 7.2 is acceptable.
At the end of the day, you have to keep in mind that all fruits will go crazy for this type of soil.
But make sure the soil is well-draining. If the soil holds on to the water for too long, it can damage the roots pretty severely.
Although that doesn’t mean you should limit down the soil’s water retention capabilities. Draining too much water will wash away the nutritions.
So, you have to use more fertilizers. But the real problem is you won’t know how much fertilizer to add, which can lead to overfeeding.
How to Check Soil Drainage?
There’s no need to live with the tingling confusion. Testing out soil drainage is easier than you can imagine.
- Dig out a 12’’ x 12’’ hole where you’ll be planting the tree. Remember, this is for ground. You’d have to dig a much smaller hole for containers.
- Now, pour water into the soil. After some time all of it should be drained.
- After it’s completely drained, again pour water. But this time, check out how much time it takes.
- If the draining time is around 1 hour, then you’re in the clear. More than that, and you’ve got a poorly draining soil. Faster drainage is also inadequate as it can’t hold on to nutrients.
Verdict
So, that’s been it. I think I’ve covered pretty much all the basic stuff, from showing you the best fertilizer for pomegranate tree to how to use it.
Nonetheless, there’s no end to learning. That’s why before you take any major decision regarding your tree, make sure it won’t harm it. Good luck!
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