Why Are My Pomegranates Rotting? Natural Ways to Protect Your Harvest
There’s nothing more disheartening than waiting for pomegranates to ripen, only to find them rotting—sometimes from the inside out. If you’ve been there (I have too, in spirit), here’s what might be going on and how you can help your plants thrive naturally.
🍂 What’s Causing the Rot?
- Silent invaders: Fungi like Alternaria and Fusarium often sneak in through the flower end of the fruit. They lie low until the pomegranate matures, then they strike.
- Inconsistent watering: A sudden downpour or irregular irrigation can cause fruits to crack—making them easy targets for pathogens.
- Insect bites: Tiny borers or mealybugs might be chewing entryways for rot.
- Crowded branches: Poor airflow and dense foliage can trap moisture, creating a welcome mat for disease.
🌿 What You Can Do (the Natural Way)
- Prune with love: Trim your tree to allow sunlight and air to reach every branch. It’s like giving your plant room to breathe.
- Keep watering steady: Deep watering on a regular schedule prevents sudden stress on the tree (and keeps those fruits intact).
- Mulch smart: Organic mulch keeps the roots cool but don’t let it snuggle too close to the trunk—fungi love that.
- Try neem oil or compost teas: These gentle warriors reduce fungal spores without harming pollinators.
- Boost the soil life: Beneficial microbes like Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis help fight the bad guys underground.
- Pick at peak time: Don’t wait too long to harvest ripe fruits—especially in humid weather.
With these steps, you’re not just growing pomegranates—you’re growing confidence as a caretaker of your garden. And that, honestly, might be the best harvest of all.
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