Grow Light for Dwarf Pomegranate: Blooms and Tiny Fruit Indoors
A grow light for dwarf pomegranate supports blooms when the plant comes indoors for winter. NC State Extension notes pomegranates grown in North Carolina may need a container that can be brought indoors for the winter.
The short answer
NC State lists partial shade to full sun for pomegranate. Indoors, give it the brightest spot plus a grow light. Illinois Extension advises 14 to 16 hours of light in low light rooms. University of Maine Extension calls LEDs an excellent light for plants. Stay at or under 16 hours a day, per Maryland Extension.
What is a dwarf pomegranate?
NC State Extension lists ‘Nana’ as a dwarf form of Punica granatum. The species grows 10 to 12 feet tall plus 8 to 10 feet wide, so the dwarf form suits pots.
How much light does it need to bloom?
NC State lists partial shade to full sun. Maryland Extension notes low light reduces flowering plus fades leaf color. Maine Extension notes grow lights make every day sunny for plants.
Illinois advises 14 to 16 hours of light a day in low light rooms, which a simple timer controls, per Maine.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Natural light | Partial shade to full sun | NC State |
| Light type | LEDs | Maine |
| Hours in low light | 14 to 16 a day | Illinois |
| Direct light | About 1,500 footcandles | Illinois |
| Upper limit | 16 hours a day | Maryland |
Source: NC State Extension, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Illinois Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
How do you care for it in winter?
NC State notes the shrub is drought tolerant, so let the soil dry slightly between waterings. It notes pests such as whiteflies, mealybugs plus scale may appear. Maryland notes plants brought in after summer may drop leaves while adjusting to lower light.
How to: step by step
- Move the pot indoors for winter.
- Set it by the sunniest window.
- Add an LED above the plant.
- Set a timer for 14 to 16 hours.
- Water when the soil dries somewhat.
- Check leaves for whiteflies plus scale.
Troubleshooting
Few blooms: low light. Add hours or lower the light.
Leaf drop: an adjustment to indoor light, per Maryland.
Small white insects: whiteflies or mealybugs, which NC State lists.
For more on lights see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers to set hours. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Punica granatum (pomegranate), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting, houseplants, Illinois Extension
- Growing houseplants under artificial lights in Maine (Bulletin 2614), University of Maine Cooperative Extension
FAQ
Are dwarf pomegranate fruits edible?
NC State Extension lists pomegranate for edible gardens. It notes plants in the Southeast often do not fruit reliably due to poor pollination plus humidity.
Can dwarf pomegranate handle cold?
NC State Extension notes pomegranate usually survives winter but is killed to the ground below 10°F.
How big does a dwarf pomegranate get?
NC State lists 'Nana' as the dwarf form. The species grows 10 to 12 feet tall, so the dwarf form stays much smaller.
How often should it be watered?
NC State Extension notes pomegranate is drought tolerant, so water when the soil dries somewhat rather than on a set schedule.
Why does my pomegranate flower but not fruit?
NC State Extension notes pomegranates in the Southeast do not fruit reliably, mostly due to poor pollination plus the humid climate.
