| I have a small pomegranate bush in a pot on my patio. Is it okay to leave the plant out on the patio for the fall and winter? It is fall time now and in Vancouver we get a lot of darkness and rain. |
| The pomegranate is a deciduous shrub or small tree which is native to China and to Southern Europe. A number of varieties exist, both ornamental and fruiting. The fruit and flowers are both red, and the fruit ripens in the fall. Pomegranates are self-pollinating. Pomegranates grow in zones 7 to 24 and possibly in zones 5 and 6 (your zone) if grown against a south or west wall. They thrive in the heat and need long hot summers to produce well. They tolerate many soil types including very alkaline soils but deep loams are best. They are drought tolerant but need regular deep irrigations for good fruit development. They tend not to fruit too well in cool coastal areas. Pomegranates are hardy down to 12 degrees F. roughly. If grown in a container they can be brought indoors during cold weather or grown in a greenhouse. If you can provide protection for your pomegranate, it can remain outdoors. Or, you can bring it inside and grow it with bright light, warm temperature, and moist but not soggy wet soil. Best wishes with your pomegranate! |
