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Wonderful Pomegranate Still Dormant

5 years ago

I have a pomegranate tree (Wonderful) in a container that I overwinter in an unheated garage. This Spring I bought it outside expecting it to break dormancy as it normally does. It is still dormant and now we are nearing June. I did the scratch test and it's still green and alive. Is there anything I can do to help the tree break dormancy? How frequent should I water to keep it alive any other tips? How long can a tree stay dormant and still be alive? I am in zone 6B. Thanks!

Featured Answer

davidrt28 (zone 7)

5 years ago

They are slower than most deciduous plants. Mine didn't leaf out fully until about 2 weeks ago and was also in an unheated garage. Just give it a little more time. Of course it should have been put out the moment the was no longer a chance of freezing.

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Comments (6)

cognackid
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks! The tree has been out since mid-April which is the last frost date in my zone. This is the first time is has been reluctant to break dormancy and I have become a little worried - the tree produces great fruit.
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Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
5 years ago
Mine has been leafed out for over a month. I wonder if yours got damaged and is trying to regrow buds.
cognackid thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
cognackid
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Hi Dave, don't see how it could have gotten damaged. It sat in the garage all winter long as it has done for the past two years. My biggest concern that if it doesn't beak dormancy is the tree headed towards death?
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years ago
if it doesnt leaf out.. it is dead ... it can not skip a year without such...

water it like you would any other potted plant or tree ... give it a drink.. and then do not water again.. until it nearly dries .. insert finger and find out ... keep in mind.. a dormant plant does not need a lot of water ...

how long was it in the pot.. without media replacement ... media wears out.. and when that happens.. there can be problems with water retention ... and or drainage .... which can be a problem in winter ...

id probably put the pot out of sight.. and find it some time in fall ... there really isnt anything you can do.. other than wait and see ...

ken
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
What was your garage winter minimum temperature? Does it get light? Mine's was in a garage as well -- to nearly 40 degrees at the coldest. It started growing in late March.

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