Knowing when are pomegranates ready to pick is the key to enjoying their sweet, tart flavor at its peak. Picking them too early means a sour experience, while waiting too long can lead to split fruit and lost juice. This guide will walk you through the simple signs of perfect ripeness so you can harvest your crop with confidence.
Pomegranates are patient fruits, taking five to seven months to mature after flowering. They won’t continue to ripen once picked, so getting the timing right on the tree is everything. Let’s look at the clear indicators that your fruit is ready for your table.
When Are Pomegranates Ready To Pick
This is the main question every grower has. The answer lies in a combination of clues, not just one single test. Relying on color alone is a common mistake. Instead, use your eyes, hands, and ears for the best results.
The Visual Check: Color and Shape
First, examine the fruit’s appearance. A ripe pomegranate undergoes a noticeable transformation.
- Skin Color: Look for a deep, rich hue—typically a consistent red or reddish-brown, depending on the variety. The skin should lose any greenish tinge. The background color will be deep, not pale.
- Shape: A ripe pomegranate becomes slightly angular and flatter at the sides. It looks less like a perfect sphere and more faceted, due to the plump arils inside pressing out against the skin.
- Blossom End: Check the crown (the blossom end). It should be dry, brown, and fully opened, not green or closed.
The Touch Test: Weight and Texture
How the fruit feels is just as important as how it looks. Pick up a likely candidate and give it a gentle inspection.
- Heavy for Its Size: A ripe pomegranate feels surprisingly heavy. This weight comes from the juicy arils packed inside. Compare the weight of a few fruits on your tree; the heavier ones are usually more mature.
- Skin Texture: The leathery skin should be firm and taut, but not rock-hard. It may have a slight give under very gentle pressure. Avoid fruits with soft spots or bruises, as this indicates damage.
The Sound Test: The Knock
This is a classic trick used by experienced gardeners. Gently tap the fruit with your knuckles.
- Listen for a high-pitched, metallic ping or ting. This often means the fruit is still developing and the arils are firm.
- A ripe pomegranate will produce a deeper, duller thud or a softer sound. This suggests the juice-filled arils inside have plumped up, creating less hollow space.
Timing and Seasonal Cues
Nature’s calendar is a reliable guide. Pomegranates are typically ready for harvest in late summer through fall, depending on your climate.
- In most regions, the prime window is from September to November.
- The fruit needs long, hot summers to develop full sweetness. Cooler, shorter seasons will delay ripening.
- Watch for the first light frosts. A light frost can actually enhance the sugar content, but you should harvest before a hard freeze, which can damage the fruit.
What About Split Fruit?
If a pomegranate cracks or splits on the tree, it’s a definite sign of ripeness—and that you should harvest immediately. Splitting is often caused by a sudden uptake of water (like from rain or heavy watering) when the fruit is already fully mature and the skin can’t stretch further. Pick split fruit right away to prevent insect or fungal issues.
The Final Cut: Checking Aril Color
If you’re still unsure after all the external checks, you can sacrifice one fruit as a tester. Carefully cut it open.
- The arils (the juicy seed sacs) should be a vibrant, deep red or pink color, depending on variety. Pale or whitish arils indicate immaturity.
- The juice should be sweet-tart, not sour or bitter. The membrane between aril clusters will be a yellowish color.
How to Harvest Pomegranates Properly
Once you’ve identified ripe fruit, it’s important to pick them correctly to avoid damaging the tree or the fruit itself. Pomegranates don’t have a strong abscission layer (natural breaking point) like apples, so they need a clean cut.
- Use the Right Tools: Use sharp, clean pruning shears or garden clippers. Don’t twist or pull the fruit off by hand, as this can tear the branch and create a wound for disease.
- Cut the Stem: Leave about a half-inch to an inch of stem attached to the fruit. Cutting too close can cause the fruit to rot at the crown during storage.
- Handle with Care: Place the harvested fruit gently into a basket or bucket. Dropping them can cause internal bruising that leads to decay later.
- Don’t Tug on Branches: Be mindful of the tree’s branches, which can be brittle. Support the fruit with your other hand while you make the cut.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
How you treat your pomegranates after picking determines how long you can enjoy them. They are excellent keepers when stored properly.
- Clean and Dry: Wipe off any dirt or debris with a dry cloth. Do not wash the fruit unless you plan to eat it immediately, as moisture promotes mold.
- Cool Storage: Whole pomegranates store best in a cool, dry place. They can last for several weeks at room temperature, but for longer storage (up to two months), place them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag.
- Freezing Arils: For long-term storage, you can remove the arils and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to a year and are perfect for smoothies or garnishes.
Troubleshooting Common Harvest Issues
Sometimes, even with the best care, things don’t go perfectly. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
Birds and Pests
Birds, squirrels, and insects may also decide your pomegranates are ripe. If they’re becoming a problem, try these methods:
- Use bird netting to cover the tree or individual fruit clusters.
- Harvest fruit as soon as it is ripe, don’t leave it on the tree for extended periods.
- Remove any fallen or damaged fruit from the ground promptly to not attract pests.
All Fruit Ripens at Once
Pomegranates on a single tree often ripen over a period of several weeks, not all on the same day. This gives you a staggered harvest. Check your tree every few days during the season, picking only the fruits that meet all the ripeness criteria. This way, you’ll get the most from your crop.
Fruit Remains Sour
If your harvested fruit is consistently sour, it was likely picked to early. Next season, wait longer and pay closer attention to the weight and sound tests. Ensure the tree gets full sun, as insufficient heat can also hinder sugar development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when a pomegranate is ripe?
Look for deep color, a heavy weight for its size, a slightly angular shape, and a dull sound when tapped. The blossom end should be dry and open.
What month are pomegranates ready?
In most climates, pomegranates are ready from late September through November. The exact timing depends on your local weather and the specific variety you are growing.
Will pomegranates ripen after picking?
No, pomegranates do not continue to ripen after they are harvested. They will not get any sweeter, so it’s crucial to pick them at peak ripeness from the tree.
Can you eat pomegranates when they are green?
Green pomegranates are immature and will be very sour and astringent. It’s best to wait until they develop their full, deep color and pass the other ripeness tests for an enjoyable flavor.
Why are my pomegranates splitting on the tree?
Splitting is usually caused by irregular watering, especially a sudden heavy rain or irrigation after a dry period when the fruit is already mature. Maintaining consistent soil moisture during the growing season can help prevent this.
Harvesting pomegranates at the perfect moment is a rewarding skill. By using these simple, sensory tests—looking at the color and shape, feeling the weight, and listening to the sound—you can ensure every fruit you pick is bursting with perfect flavor. Remember, patience is your greatest tool; when in doubt, give it a few more days and test again. Your taste buds will thank you for the wait.