Punicum granatum
Origin: Central Asia via England via Italy
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~30
BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED
Life cycle: Perennial
This cold-hardy dwarf pomegranate, capable of growing outdoors down to USDA Zone 7 (though more reliably in Zone 8), seems to have come onto the scene in England in the 1700s. The species though, originated somewhere across a band from Turkey and the Caucasus Mountains through central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. From that place of origin, it has spread around the world to anywhere with hot summers, mild winters, and a relatively arid climate. It is so much associated with the Mediterranean region, that most people from Spain to Italy to Palestine are shocked to find it didn't originate in their home country — though much of its domestication and popularization as an agricultural crop did occur there. There are over 500 pomegranate cultivars in existence today, with colors ranging from black to white.
The 'Nana' cultivar has with small red or pink fruit, and can produce even when grown in a pot (it makes an exceedingly adorable bonsai). Like all pomegranates, the jewel-like arils (fleshy sacs surrounding single seeds) are edible and fully of sweet-tart juice. They are nutritious — good sources of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and dietary fiber — and delicious. The arils are used whole, fresh or dried, and the juice is made into a range of products including molasses, vinegar, wine, and syrup. The original "grenadine" was made from pomegranate juice — and, yes, the word "grenade" comes from the superficial resemblance between those small hand-held weapons of war and the beloved fruit.
Our Italy-grown seed comes from the good folks at Sheffield's Seeds in Locke, New York.
GROWING TIPS: Soak seeds 24 hours and germinate above 75°F. They do not need any stratification. Plant in well-drained soil and water well as the plant is getting established.
