Pomegranate ‘Elche’ is an attractive, deciduous large shrub or small tree originating from Spain. It is celebrated for its excellent fruit quality, featuring large, round fruit with a pinkish to orangey-red skin. The arils (the juicy seed coverings) are a bright pink and offer an exceptional balance of high sweetness and low acidity, making them perfect for eating fresh or juicing. A key trait of ‘Elche’ is its soft, edible seeds, which greatly enhances the eating experience. The plant itself is highly ornamental, providing glossy green leaves that turn a warm yellow in autumn, and striking, bright scarlet to orange flowers in spring and summer. It is a hardy, self-fertile variety well-suited to Mediterranean-style and warm temperate Australian climates.
Care Tips for Pomegranate Elche
Position and Climate
-
Sun: Requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) for the best flowering, fruit set, and quality.
-
Climate: Thrives in climates with cool winters (which promote dormancy) and hot, dry summers (which help the fruit ripen properly and sweetly). It is drought-tolerant and handles frost well once established.
Planting and Soil
-
Soil: Tolerant of many soil types, but requires excellent drainage. Pomegranates hate wet feet, which can lead to root rot. If your soil is heavy clay, plant in a raised mound or a large pot (40L+).
-
Watering: While drought-tolerant once established, regular, deep watering is essential during the hot summer when the fruit is swelling. Inconsistent watering or a sudden deluge after a dry spell can cause the fruit to split.
-
Mulch: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the main trunk/stems.
Feeding and Pruning
-
Fertilising: Feed regularly from spring to autumn with a balanced fertiliser formulated for fruit trees. Regular feeding promotes healthy growth and a strong crop.
-
Pruning: Prune in winter while the tree is dormant. Pomegranates naturally grow as a multi-stemmed shrub. You can prune to:
-
Maintain a Shrub: Remove dead or weak wood and thin out crowded stems to allow light penetration.
-
Form a Tree: Select one or a few strong main stems and remove all suckers that emerge from the base.
-
-
Fruiting: Trees are generally self-fertile and can start bearing fruit within 1 to 3 years. Harvest typically occurs in autumn (March to May) when the fruit has developed good colour and size.
