The ‘Texas Pink’ pomegranate is known for its bright fruits and classic sweet but tart taste. In this article, we explain the guidelines for planting and growing these trees correctly in your own garden.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
This cultivar produces delicious, juicy fruits, but its popularity often comes down to its impressive ornamental value. Shaped into a shrub or small tree and growing to a height of around 15 feet, ‘Texas Pink’ is bound to stand out, whether you plant it in the ground or in a container.
As its name suggests, the fruit is distinguished by its vivid pink hue, both outside and in. The arils are sweet and juicy, perfect for eating fresh or tossing into salads. The fruit’s outer skin adds a pop of color to the garden and makes great fall décor inside your home over the holidays, too. And when there aren’t any fruits to harvest, you can enjoy the orange-red intricate blooms in spring.
This variety thrives in USDA Zones 7-11, making it a suitable choice for warmer regions that match their native habitats (particularly those with hot summers where other fruit trees may struggle). This pomegranate is tough, handling both heat and drought well.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
‘Texas Pink’, like other pomegranates (and fruit trees in general), thrives in full sun. The more sunlight you can provide, the better, for optimal growth, fruit set, and ripening. But aim for a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day to keep them happy. In hotter regions with intense summers, some afternoon protection may be appreciated to protect the fruits.
When choosing a location, consider the path of the sun throughout the day and across seasons. Avoid areas where buildings or taller plants might cast shadows on the tree, particularly during the morning when sunlight is most crucial.
For those growing in containers, you have the advantage of being able to move your plant between seasons to maximize sunlight exposure. Although they are large trees, so that’s often easier said than done. If you notice parts of the plant becoming leggy or the foliage denser on one side, move or rotate the container to ensure all sides receive equal light.
Temperature & Humidity
‘Texas Pink’ pomegranates are accustomed to hot summers, thriving when temperatures are high. They can grow in lower USDA Zones (7 and up), but perform best when the heat matches what they are used to in their native habitats.
This pomegranate can survive temperatures down to 10F (-12C), requiring extra protection when temperatures dip too low. They don’t appreciate frost, which can permanently damage growth and impact your potential harvest for the rest of the season. Unexpected late frosts are a threat to flowers and developing fruits, so keep an eye on the weather and use protective measures during cold snaps.
These trees are not too fussy about humidity, adapting to arid and humid climates. However, with higher humidity, you will need to pay close attention to air circulation, as additional moisture can encourage fungal disease. Space the trees properly (if you’re planting more than one for better pollination) and prune carefully to remove dense growth.
Watering
‘Texas Pink’ pomegranates are known for being drought-tolerant once established, thanks to their tough native origins. However, soon after planting and during the active growing season, consistent moisture is beneficial for health and a mountain of fruits.
After planting, water deeply around once or twice a week, depending on the weather and rainfall in your area. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow downward rather than remaining shallow, which strengthens the root system and improves the plant’s drought tolerance over time.
As the plant matures, reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the soil to dry out a little before watering again. It’s important to allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent overwatering and subsequent root rot. That’s also why it’s best to avoid planting in low-lying areas of your garden where water collects after rain.
Adjust your watering routine to account for seasonal changes. Pomegranates require less water during the winter months, and overwatering during this time is even more of a risk. Increase watering during extended dry spells or heatwaves in summer, monitoring the plant for signs of water stress.
Soil
The foundation of any productive tree is the soil. While pomegranates are tough and adaptable, they are particular about soil, especially when it comes to drainage.
‘Texas Pink’ needs well-draining soil like most fruit trees, as stagnant water around the roots can lead to issues (like root rot) that kill off the tree before you ever see fruits. Slightly sandier soil is preferred to match the conditions they are used to, but they can adapt to most soils, bar heavy clay.
If your soil texture isn’t quite right or the soil lacks nutrients, mix in plenty of compost before planting. This will also improve moisture retention, aeration, and microbial activity. For very poor soils, you can also mix in a slow-release fertilizer, but pomegranates aren’t really considered heavy feeders.
Fertilizing
Once a year in early spring as new growth starts to appear, apply a balanced fertilizer for an all-round nutrient boost. This helps kickstart growth at the perfect time, ensuring the tree has the nutrients it needs for the season ahead.
If your tree isn’t performing as well as you hoped, remember that more nutrients aren’t always the answer. Overfertilizing is a risk, potentially stunting growth as the season starts. To avoid overfeeding, always stick to the recommended amount on the fertilizer’s label.
Spread the fertilizer around the tree’s base to the drip line, and water to help spread those nutrients down to the roots.
If you’re growing in a pot, the same rules apply but on a smaller scale. Because these soils lose nutrients faster, you might need to feed your pomegranate a little more often with a half-strength liquid fertilizer instead.
Planting Instructions
When you’re ready to plant, follow these steps:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the container of your pomegranate tree.
- Gently remove the tree from its container. If the roots are densely packed or circling, lightly tease them to encourage outward growth.
- Place the tree in the hole at the same depth it was in the container. Backfill with the removed soil, firming around the base to eliminate air pockets.
- Water deeply to settle the soil. Mulch with organic material to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch away from the trunk to avoid moisture issues.
- If planting multiple trees, space them about 10 to 15 feet apart to allow for better growth and air circulation, reducing your risk of disease.
Propagation
You can expand your ‘Texas Pink’ collection by propagating from cuttings. These trees will grow from softwood or hardwood cuttings, but hardwood cuttings are the most common method.
Start the propagation process in mid to late winter before any new growth appears. Remove healthy branches from the previous year’s growth that are relatively thick and about 10 inches long. Make a cut just between two leaf nodes.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, plant in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the ground in a sheltered, sunny location. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent rot.
The cuttings will take several weeks to root and show signs of new growth. During this time, maintain consistent soil moisture and protect the cuttings from extreme conditions to help them establish strong roots. Once the cuttings develop new leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden or larger pots.
Maintenance
Start pruning annually after the first season, usually in late winter. The goal is to remove any dead or damaged branches, thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation, and shape the tree for better light penetration. You can also use your annual pruning session to manage size in smaller gardens.
Pests and diseases are not a major concern, but it’s important to stay vigilant, especially if you notice your tree is stressed (this makes them more susceptible to pest and disease problems). Common pests like aphids or fruit flies may attack new growth but are relatively easy to control, as you would in the rest of the garden. Look out for signs of fungal infections, especially in humid climates, and treat with appropriate fungicides if needed.
If your ‘Texas Pink’ is growing in a smaller container, you’ll need to consider repotting every couple of years to ensure it doesn’t become root-bound and to refresh the soil. Choose a new pot that’s slightly larger than the previous one, and always use a new potting mix – never the same soil.
Growing Problems
Even with meticulous care, ‘Texas Pink’ pomegranates are not immune to problems. Recognizing and addressing these common issues early can help keep your plant thriving and fruitful.
With inconsistent moisture levels in the soil, you may notice the fruits cracking open before they’re harvested. Maintaining a regular watering schedule (especially around fruiting time) and providing adequate drainage will prevent water pressure that leads to cracking.
In regions with particularly intense sunlight, the exposed sides of pomegranates can also suffer from sunburn, leading to blemished or damaged fruits. While pomegranates enjoy full sun, providing afternoon shade during the hottest parts of the year can protect the fruits without compromising growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Texas Pink Pomegranate is a small tree with glossy leaves and a rugged trunk. The flowers are bright red and develop into very large fruits with a deep-pink, leathery skin. These are packed with juicy flesh with a unique sweet and tangy flavor. They can be eaten fresh, scattered across salads and other dishes, or turned into healthy juice, packed with potent antioxidants. It is very ornamental, and an attractive specimen on a lawn or a terrace. It can be grown against a wall and even turned into a large bonsai tree.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
As summer comes to an end, the most exciting part of pomegranate season kicks in – harvesting time. The ‘Texas Pink’ variety usually ripens in early fall, depending on your climate. The fruits are ready when they’ve changed color to the deep pink they are known for.
Another tell-tale sign is the sound. A mature pomegranate will make a metallic sound when tapped lightly. It can take some trial and error to pick at the perfect time, but you’ll get the hang of it after a few seasons of practice.
When it’s time to harvest, use sharp pruning shears to remove the fruit from the tree, leaving a bit of the stem attached. This prevents damage to the pomegranate and the tree. After harvesting, store at room temperature for a few days or keep in the refrigerator to extend their life for up to a month.
