Why do pomegranates burst and how do we deal with it?

July 29, 2022 38 Comments

Why do pomegranates burst every year in our garden and what causes the bursting?

In early fall, as the pomegranates are growing and we are getting ready to enjoy them, we may notice the pomegranates bursting and spoiling.

Pomegranate cracking is a frequent problem in pomegranate cultivation that causes uneven fruit ripening.

In addition, the bursting of pomegranate fruits is a major cause of secondary attacks by fungal diseases such as alternaria, as well as by insects such as meligra.

In several cases, it has as a direct consequence that the production of pomegranates deteriorates in quality and is unsuitable for consumption.

Cracking in pomegranates can have many different causes and a comprehensive treatment plan is needed to protect our production.

Let’s look in detail at what causes the bursting of pomegranates and how we can deal with it to enjoy wonderful juicy pomegranates from our garden.

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What are the causes of bursting in pomegranates?

The bursting of pomegranates is due to one or more causes that are related both to the cultivation operations of watering and fertilizing, as well as to the climatic conditions that prevail in the cultivated areas. The main causes of bursting pomegranates are the following:

a) Pomegranates burst due to lack of water

If we do not water our pomegranates during the summer months, it is very likely that we will face the problem of the pomegranates bursting. Also, the irregular watering we do to our pomegranates is also the main reason for the pomegranates to burst.

b) Pomegranates burst due to changes in temperature and humidity

Large day-night temperature swings during the period of rapid endocarp (inside of the fruit) growth in early fall can cause our pomegranates to burst. Corresponding symptoms of bursting of pomegranate fruits are also observed with the sudden change in humidity during the day.

c) Pomegranates burst due to incorrect lubrication

Nitrogen fertilizers, mainly ammonium fertilizers, during fruiting of pomegranate trees cause a significant increase in fruit cracking. Analogous phenomena are observed with the addition of a high amount of manure to pomegranates during the summer season.

What nitrogen does as a fertilizer for plants and crops

How do we deal with cracking in pomegranates?

In order to effectively deal with pomegranate cracking and to ensure quality fruit production, it is necessary to take several measures at a preventive level, which we describe in detail below.

1. We water the pomegranates regularly

We regularly water our pomegranates 1-2 times a week, during the summer, depending on the prevailing temperatures and the soil of our garden. We ensure a stable uniform irrigation system for pomegranates by preferring the drip irrigation system which presents several advantages in terms of efficiency as well as water saving.

2. Spray the pomegranates with calcium fertilizer

For the preventive treatment of the bursting of pomegranates, we preventively spray the foliage of the pomegranate trees with a liquid ecological calcium fertilizer. Pomegranate spraying starts in mid-summer, early July, and is repeated every 15 days, until mid-autumn when we harvest the pomegranates.

Calcium, what it offers as a fertilizer to plants and crops

3. Put the appropriate fertilizer on the pomegranates

We avoid late nitrogen (ammonia) fertilization on pomegranates, after they have set their fruits. We choose organic fertilizers with a high potassium content for good fruit ripening.

Potassium, what it offers as a fertilizer to plants and crops

And a secret for bursting pomegranates

In pomegranates that have little foliage, the phenomenon of bursting of pomegranates is enhanced due to the hardening of the skin of the fruits from sunburn.

9 secrets for growing pomegranates Share this article with your friends: