What month is the pomegranate fruit

The fruiting period of pomegranate is mainly concentrated from August to October, and the specific time is affected by factors such as variety differences, climate conditions, cultivation management, regional distribution, and tree age.

1. Variety Differences

There are significant differences in the fruiting time of different pomegranate varieties. Early maturing varieties such as Mount Taishan red pomegranate usually begin to bear fruit in the first ten days of August. Middle maturing varieties such as Lintong pomegranate mostly enter the bearing period in September. Late maturing varieties such as Yunnan crystal pomegranate can be delayed to harvest in October. The characteristics of the variety directly determine the length of the fruit development cycle, and selecting a variety suitable for the local climate is crucial to ensure the fruiting time.

2. Climate conditions

Temperature and light have a significant impact on the fruiting period of pomegranate. Pomegranate is a warm loving crop that requires sufficient sunlight during its flowering period and a large temperature difference between day and night during its fruit development period. Insufficient accumulated temperature in northern regions may lead to delayed fruiting, while high temperatures and heavy rainfall in southern regions can accelerate fruit ripening. Abnormal weather conditions such as late spring coldness can delay the flowering period, thereby affecting the timing of fruiting.

3. Cultivation Management

Scientific cultivation measures can regulate the fruiting time. Reasonable pruning can improve tree ventilation and light transmission, promote flower bud differentiation; Timely application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can help with fruit enlargement; Water control treatment can induce flower bud formation. Facility cultivation can achieve early or delayed fruiting of pomegranates through temperature regulation, enabling them to be marketed out of season.

4. Regional distribution

The fruiting period of major pomegranate producing areas in China shows a latitudinal gradient change. Harvesting in low latitude regions such as Yunnan and Sichuan can begin at the end of July, while in the Yellow River Basin, it mostly matures in September. In northwest regions such as Xinjiang, due to dry weather, it may be delayed until October. For every 100 meters increase in altitude, the result period is delayed by about 2-3 days.

5. Age size

The fruiting period of pomegranate trees changes with the increase of tree age. The initial fruiting time of young trees is relatively late and unstable, while the fruiting time during the peak fruiting period is relatively fixed. Older trees may have an earlier fruiting period but a decrease in yield. Grafted seedlings usually begin to bear fruit 3-4 years ago, while seedlings take 5-6 years to enter the fruiting period. Pomegranate, as a representative fruit of autumn, should be managed during the fruiting period to maintain cleanliness in the park and promptly remove diseased and fallen fruits; Stopping watering 20 days before harvesting can increase sugar content; Fruit bagging can prevent sunburn and pest infestations; Retaining the fruit stem during harvesting can extend the storage period. It is recommended to establish harvesting standards based on local phenological characteristics, and to judge maturity by lightly tapping your fingers and listening to the sound. It is best to harvest on a sunny morning. When storing, it should be kept ventilated and dry, and the temperature should be controlled at 2-5 degrees Celsius to keep it fresh for more than two months.