How to Successfully Grow Pomegranates in Buckets

Dreaming of picking fresh, juicy pomegranates right from your patio or balcony? Good news—you can grow this exotic fruit tree in a bucket! Even if you don’t have a sprawling backyard or warm Mediterranean climate, container gardening makes pomegranate-growing surprisingly simple.

Let’s break down exactly how to grow pomegranates in buckets—from choosing the right container to harvesting those ruby-red seeds.

Why Grow Pomegranates in Buckets?

Pomegranates are surprisingly adaptable. Growing them in buckets offers several perks:

• Space-saving: Perfect for patios, balconies, or small gardens.

• Mobility: Move the plant to chase the sun or protect it from cold snaps.

• Control: It’s easier to manage soil, watering, and pests in containers.

Whether you’re tight on space or just want an eye-catching fruit tree near your outdoor seating, pomegranates deliver both beauty and bounty.

Step 1: Pick the Right Variety

Not all pomegranates are created equal when it comes to containers. Look for dwarf or compact varieties that thrive in pots:

• ‘Nana’ (Dwarf Pomegranate) – Ideal for buckets, produces small but ornamental fruit.

• ‘Wonderful’ – The classic, larger variety that can still adapt well to pots.

• ‘Kazake’ or ‘Salavatski’ – Cold-hardy types, great for cooler climates.

Stick with varieties labeled as “dwarf,” “compact,” or “container-friendly.”

Step 2: Choose the Right Bucket

Size matters here. Your pomegranate needs room for its roots.

• Minimum size: 10–15 gallons (a 18–24 inch diameter bucket works great)

• Material: Food-grade plastic, terracotta, or ceramic all work—as long as there’s good drainage

• Drainage holes: Non-negotiable. Add more if needed. Pomegranates hate soggy roots.

Tip: Use a wheeled plant caddy to easily move your bucket around.

Step 3: Use the Right Soil Mix

Pomegranates love loamy, well-draining soil. Avoid heavy clay or water-retentive mixes.

Try this DIY blend:

• 2 parts potting soil

• 1 part perlite or coarse sand

• 1 part compost or well-rotted manure

This combo gives your plant both nutrition and drainage. Before filling the bucket, add a layer of gravel or broken clay shards to help with runoff.

Step 4: Planting Your Pomegranate

1. Fill the bucket about halfway with your soil mix.

2. Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot, loosen roots slightly.

3. Place it in the center, so the crown (where stem meets roots) sits just above the soil line.

4. Backfill and pat the soil firmly but gently.

5. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil.

Step 5: Give It the Right Sun and Water

☀️ Sunlight

Pomegranates are sun lovers. Give them 6–8 hours of direct sun daily for the best fruit production.

Got a balcony with only morning light? You may still get blooms—but fruiting will be lighter.

💧 Watering

• Keep soil moist but not wet—especially during flowering and fruit set.

• Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

• Reduce watering slightly in winter, but never let the soil go bone dry.

Step 6: Fertilizing for Fruit

To get tasty pomegranates, your plant needs fuel.

• Spring to early summer: Feed every 4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or fruit tree blend).

• Late summer: Ease off to help the plant focus on ripening fruit instead of pushing new growth.

• Add compost once a year to refresh nutrients.

Pro tip: Too much nitrogen = leafy plant, little to no fruit. Keep it balanced.

Step 7: Prune and Shape Your Tree

Pruning encourages air flow, better light, and more fruiting.

• Late winter or early spring is best.

• Remove dead or crossing branches.

• Thin out the center to let light in.

• Keep it about 3–4 feet tall for easy bucket growing.

Don’t worry—pomegranates bounce back fast after a trim!

Step 8: Pollination and Fruiting Tips

Pomegranates are self-pollinating, but they benefit from a helping hand. Gently shake branches or use a soft brush to move pollen from flower to flower.

• Flowers bloom in late spring to early summer.

• Fruit ripens in late summer to early fall—depending on variety and climate.

You’ll know they’re ripe when the skin turns vibrant and slightly splits near the crown.

Step 9: Winter Care

Pomegranates can handle some chill, but freezing temps? Not so much.

• If temps dip below 40°F (4°C), bring the bucket indoors or into a greenhouse.

• In mild climates, wrap the pot and insulate the base.

• Water sparingly and cut back on feeding during dormancy.

Common Bucket-Growing Problems (and Fixes)

Final Thoughts: A Tree That Gives More Than Just Fruit

Growing pomegranates in buckets isn’t just doable—it’s rewarding. These trees are beautiful, resilient, and offer one of the healthiest fruits around. Whether you’re gardening on a balcony or a compact patio, you can enjoy homegrown pomegranates with just a bit of know-how and care.

So grab a bucket, pick a sunny spot, and get growing!