Growing Pomegranates in Cooler Climates: Tips from Abbott Family Farm

Growing Pomegranates in Cooler Climates: Tips from Abbott Family Farm

Pomegranates are often thought of as a warm-weather fruit, but with a little creativity, they can thrive even in cooler regions. At Abbott Family Farm, we’ve had surprising success growing pomegranates in our unheated greenhouse—even in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s how we do it, and what you should know if you’re thinking about adding these vibrant, fruit-bearing trees to your own garden or farm.

🌿 Why Grow Pomegranates?

Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and nutrients, and they offer a unique, tart-sweet flavor that makes them a favorite in juices, salads, and snacks. But beyond the fruit, they’re also just plain beautiful—the foliage is lush and green, the blooms are fiery and eye-catching, and the overall shape adds character to any growing space.

❄️ Can You Really Grow Pomegranates in a Cooler Climate?

While most pomegranates prefer hot, arid climates, we've found a way to enjoy their bounty in Oregon by growing them in large stock tanks inside our unheated greenhouse. The greenhouse has high ceilings, which allow for good air circulation and space for the trees to grow tall and full. Though it’s not heated, the protection from frost and extra warmth from the sun during the day create just enough of a buffer for them to thrive.

We currently grow three different varieties and harvest a surprising amount of fruit each year.

🌱 What to Know Before You Grow

1. Use Containers or Stock Tanks
   Pomegranates do well in containers, and we’ve found large stock tanks give the roots plenty of space while allowing us to control soil conditions more easily.

2. Shelter from Frost
   Even cold-hardy varieties struggle outdoors here, so our greenhouse offers just enough protection. Without it, they likely wouldn’t survive a full winter.

3. Expect Some Messiness
   These trees are productive—but messy! When the fruit begins to crack or fall, cleanup can be a chore, so we recommend harvesting often and planting in easy-to-clean areas.

4. Beautiful Foliage & Flowers
   Even when they’re not fruiting, pomegranate trees add beauty with their pretty foliage and bold, red-orange flowers. They're great for adding color and texture to your edible landscape.

🍎 What We’ve Learned at Abbott Family Farm

We’re always experimenting with what can grow in our climate, and pomegranates have been a fun success story. They do require space and some cleanup—but they reward us with a healthy crop and year-round visual appeal.

If you’re curious about trying pomegranates where you live, consider container growing in a greenhouse or sheltered location. With the right setup, this warm-weather favorite might surprise you!