The orchard was one of the first things planned when we started up at Raincatcher’s garden of Midway Hills. Six different trees were chosen and then planted in January 2015. Most of these were purchased, but the pomegranate was brought over from our previous location. One of the things about planning and planting an orchard is to realize that it usually takes 3 years for the trees to bear fruit. So we planted, pruned, and then waited. The first season was as expected – we could see the growth pattern of the different trees, but there was no fruit.
Our Very Own Pom Transplant
The winter came, and the trees lost their leaves and once again we waited till early February – and we pruned according to the type of tree – pears wrap around and grow vertically, while plums and peaches are pruned to a bowl type shape.
The last 2, persimmon and pomegranate, are more shrub-like and were not touched by the pruners. They were about 2-3 feet tall at this time.
By March new growth was appearing and the effects of pruning was taking shape — a few blossoms appeared on the plums and peaches, but fruit did not follow. The pomegranate, however, was a different story – it began to grow, — and then blossoms appeared in March and April with this beautiful orange bud which then became a flower – the bees came to pollinate , and then fruit started to form. The shrub is now over 5 feet tall and is laden with beautiful orangey pomegranates -Yes it’s only the second year, but we will have pomegranates in the late Fall.
Pomegranate Flowers Followed by Fruit
Pomegranates are ready to harvest about 6 months after the flowers appear, so come later October or November our pomegranates will be ready. They should be the size of an orange and the color will vary from yellow to bright red. We are looking forward to celebrating this harvest by making some pomegranate jelly !
Pomegranates Ripening!
Starla
Orchard beginnings here.
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
What variety of pomegranate did you plant? Is this a tree or a bush? Thanks for the post, I want to plant pomegranates and live in zone 8. Would appreciate your reply. cotterly@hotmail.com
Lois, We planted ‘Wonderful,’ which is readily available and the most used commercial variety. If you want to read about the rest of the orchard trees, click on “Orchard Varieties” on the Buzz home page. We also have several blog posts about the orchard. Elizabeth
Thanks for this post. I’ll investigate whether a pomegranate is likely to grow in my zone down here in New Zealand.
I was wondering how you’ve found persimmon too. I’d read their wood is fairly brittle and it put me off attempting to grow them, although this fruit is one of my favourites.
Do you do anything special to protect them, or are they too small to worry about for now?
New Zealand? Wow. The joys of the internet. I’ll check with our vegetable expert about brittle wood. Maybe you already know, the most important thing to do with persimmons is to resist picking the fruit too early. Let them ripen on the tree until they are full-sized, soft and fully colored. In Texas, that’s usually the first frost. If picked too early, you risk very astringent fruit. We planted ‘Eureka,’ but I’d check with your nurseryman for his recommendations on varieties. Persimmons originated in Asia. Elizabeth
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Hi, I live in North Richland Hills and have decided to make a small backyard orchard. I’ve had an Ayers pear for a year, but I want to add some apples, peaches, etc. of the recommended varieties for this area that I’ve been reading about in various blogs and articles. Do you have any sources that you would recommend for purchasing fruit trees? Also, do you know of a source for bare root to save on costs or is that not a good option? Thanks! Marie