Waiting all year for your juicy, fresh pomegranates to mature can be a real killer– much more so when they suddenly start splitting just before harvest. Splitting fruits can be hugely frustrating, especially when youve been eagerly awaiting pomegranates for a full season. If your pomegranates split open on the tree, it might seem like its time to break out the chainsaw, but before you commit a pomegranate massacre, consider why your pomegranates are cracking. Well walk you through the most common problems pomegranate growers have with splitting pomegranate fruit in this article.
Because the skin cells don’t expand as rapidly, they get pulled apart, resulting in the split. The solution is to water more moderately and more frequently, so the skin can grow continuously and keep up with the expanding interior of the fruit.
Why Does Pomegranate Split?
There are a couple of very common reasons for split pomegranate fruit on a well-cared for tree. In fact, one of them may be caused by a tree getting a little too much care. Fungal pathogens are notoriously frustrating causes of split fruit. In fact, they often strike just as the fruit is ripening. Fungal diseases are often accompanied by leaf spots, premature leaf drop, or other leaf damage, but sometimes the fruit is the lone target. Controlling fungus on pomegranate can be tricky. Since theyre not considered primarily a cash crop, little research has gone into the diseases that plague these plants. However, if you apply copper fungicide to your plant next season as the fruits are just starting to grow, you may be able to kill off the fungal spores before they infiltrate your fruits and cause more pomegranate fruit split problems. The other main cause of splitting pomegranate fruit is the same as with many other fruits: irregular watering. During crucial points in fruit development, its vital that the water entering the plants system is fairly regular and even; otherwise, different parts of the fruit will develop at different speeds, resulting in splitting and ruined fruits. You can prevent splitting by mulching your tree heavily with at least 3 inches (8 cm.) of organic mulch and putting it on a watering schedule once the blooms are beginning to drop. Water evenly every few days without soaking the root system– the mulch will help to prevent evaporation, so theres no need to overdo it. Too much water can encourage fruit-splitting fungus, so just water until the soil below the mulch is wet. Water more in the hottest part of the growing season, then taper down considerably as fall approaches.
How to Avoid Split Pomegranates and Other Fruit Splitting Open – Backyard Orchard
FAQ
How do you control fruit cracking in pomegranate?
Is it safe to eat pomegranates that have split open?
Why do my pomegranates split before they are ripe?
What can you do to prevent pomegranates from splitting?
And what on earth can you do to prevent it? Pomegranates split open because of inconsistent watering, sudden changes in temperature, nutrient deficiencies, or over-ripening on the tree. In many cases, splitting can be prevented through good cultural practices and knowing what signs to look for.
How to eat pomegranate?
The pomegranate can be consumed fresh directly or you can make juice and take it alone or mix it with other fruits. It can also be consumed in other preparations such as jams, desserts, and cakes.
How do you keep pomegranate trees healthy?
Balanced nutrition can help strengthen the fruit’s skin. Pruning and Thinning: Prune pomegranate trees for good air circulation and sunlight exposure. Thinning the fruit clusters can help reduce competition for resources among fruits, preventing cracking due to overcrowding.
Why does my pomegranate tree split?
Fruit Splitting: Fruit splitting occurs when the skin of pomegranate fruits cracks or splits open, usually due to irregular watering or sudden fluctuations in moisture levels. Solution: Maintaining consistent watering and mulching around the base of the tree can prevent fruit splitting.