Description
Pomegranates are brownish-yellow to purplish-red berries 2‒5 in (5‒12 cm) in diameter with a smooth, leathery skin. Pomegranate leaves are glossy, dark green, oblong to oval, and 1‒1.25 in. (2.5‒3 cm) long. Leaves are arranged opposed and pairs alternately crossing at right angles and clustered on short branchlets.
Pomegranate is commercially important in Sri Lanka, with potential for both domestic consumption and export. The fruit can be consumed fresh or processed into various products such as juice, syrup, and wine.
Important pomegranate varieties cultivated in Sri Lanka include:
- Kalpitiya hybrid: The first hybrid variety recommended by the Department of Agriculture, with red pulp, soft seeds, and high antioxidant properties.
- Nimali: Medium-sized fruit with yellow bark, pink pulp, and soft seeds.
- Daya: Similar to Nimali but with less colored pulp.
- Nayana: Dark green leaves, thorny plant, and light pink fruit with harder seeds.
Planting requirements
Planting season: Year-round, but best during the dry season, May to September
Planting conditions:
| Propagation | Propagated from hardwood cuttings |
|---|---|
| Planting method | Plant them with a spacing of 5-7 ft (1.5-2 m) between plants and 8-10 ft (2.5-3 m) between rows for smaller Sri Lankan varieties |
| Soil | Adapts well to Sri Lankan soil types, including sandy loam and lateritic soils. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5‒7.0 |
| Water | Should maintain adequate soil moisture. Requires consistent watering |
| Light | Requires full sunshine (at least 6 hours) |
Growing conditions:
| Temperatures | Thrives in Sri Lanka's tropical climate with temperatures between 25-35°C |
|---|---|
| Soil | Add compost and mulch annually |
| Water | Should be irrigated every 5-7 days during dry periods. Drip irrigation or basin irrigation is preferred |
| Pruning | Prune in late dry season (August-September), removing dead or diseased wood and crossing branches |
| Weed control | Mulching helps suppress weeds. Hand-pulling or hoeing can also be used |
Harvesting
Harvesting occurs 5-7 months after flowering in Sri Lanka, typically from October to January
Curing
Pomegranates should be cured at room temperature for about a week to improve their flavor and texture.
Storage
Store pomegranates in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks in Sri Lanka's climate. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Protecting your plants
Pest control
Pest types:
- Fruit flies
- Aphids
- Fruit borers
Symptoms:
- Holes in leaves or fruit
- Sticky honeydew on leaves
- Premature fruit drop
Control methods:
- Use neem oil
- Set up pheromone traps for fruit flies
- Maintain orchard hygiene
- Implement integrated pest management practices
Disease Control
Disease types:
- Fruit spot
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
Symptoms:
- Brown spots on leaves or fruit
- Wilting
- Yellowing of leaves
Management:
- Avoid overhead watering
- Maintain good air circulation
- Remove infected plant material
- Use copper-based fungicides if necessary, following local agricultural guidelines
Sources
In addition to our General List of Sources (link), we used these specific references:
