Difference between fruit pomegranate and flowering pomegranate
It is common to confuse fruit pomegranates with flowering pomegranates in courtyard planting, although they belong to the same family, there are essential differences between them. Understanding their characteristic differences can not only enhance ornamental value but also maximize planting benefits.
Comparison of plant shape characteristics
Morphological characteristics of fruit pomegranate
As a typical representative of deciduous trees, the fruit pomegranate has a strong upright trunk, and the mature plants generally reach 3-5 meters in height. A hundred-year-old tree inLintong, Shaanxi can reach 7 meters, while intensive orchards control it around 2 meters through pruning, which is convenient for picking and ensures light transmission.
Growth characteristics of flowering pomegranate
The ornamental flowering pomegranate often appears as a cluster of shrubs, and the rose pomegranate cultivated by grafting techniques is only 1-1.5 meters tall. It has a low branching point and a wide crown, especially suitable for pot landscaping. Dwarf varieties cultivated in Yunnan can even be controlled within 80 centimeters.
Difference in flower and fruit performance
Difference between fruit pomegranate and flowering pomegranate
Flower viewing period
The single-petal flowers of fruit pomegranate last for about 20 days, while the double-petal flowering pomegranate blooms from early summer to frost. Observation data from the Nanjing Botanical Garden show that the blooming period of a single peony flowering pomegranate flower is 15 days, and the group blooming period spans over 160 days.
Economic value of fruit
High-quality fruit pomegranates can yield up to 30 kilograms per plant, and the Tunis soft-seed pomegranate single fruit weighs over 400 grams. Although flowering pomegranates occasionally bear fruit, the fruit diameter is less than 5 centimeters and it is sour and unpalatable. Cultivation records in Jiangsu show that its fruit setting rate is less than 3%.
Cultivation application selection
It is crucial to choose the variety according to the planting purpose: for edible planting, it is best to choose fruit varieties such as Mengzi pomegranate, which requires an annual accumulated temperature of more than 3000°C; for landscape design, it is suitable to choose double-petal red pomegranate, which can tolerate cold areas up to zone 6b. When mixed planting, they need to be spaced more than 5 meters apart to avoid root competition.
Mastering the biological characteristics of flowering and fruit pomegranates can effectively enhance the economic and aesthetic value of courtyard planting. It is recommended to prioritize cold-resistant varieties in the northern region and pay attention to drainage and preventing root rot in the rainy areas of Jiangnan, with scientific management to make石榴 planting more effective.