Won’t Take My Pomegranate for Granted
The pomegranate has been cultivated since ancient times, and was introduced to the new world by the Spanish in the 1700’s. Considered to have originated in what now is Iran and Northern India, the pomegranate is well suited to our desert.
Which brings me to how well my pomegranate is fairing. One of the first things I planted, ever, my pomegranate was a seedling from my parent’s tree. I lovingly put it in the ground and hoped for my own bounty of fruit.
This tree took off, as much as a slow growing pomegranate can, and has been the most stable plant in my yard. It never freaks out – from lack of water, too much water, not enough food – it is the same, year in and year out.
I always get flowers, I always get fruit and I always get a beautiful display of yellow leaves in the fall. The fruit puts on quite a show too, with its jewel toned hue. I love this plant for many reasons.
One of my fondest memories as a kid was sitting at our kitchen table helping my dad peel pomegranates. We would remove the seeds, put them in a Tuperware and chill for later. It was a lot of work but such a sweet cold treat in the end.
by Cara Bohardt, Desert Gardener
How can I keep the birds from eating the fruit before I can harvest it? I usually can’t event get one or two before the birds ruin them.