Punica granatum 'A.C. Sweet'

A.C. Sweet Pomegranate tree (Punica granatum 'A.C. Sweet') forms a deciduous shrub, recognized for its sweet and refreshing, edible fruit, as well as its cold hardiness. Bred by Arthur C Combe of Beaverdam, Arizona, it is one of the favorite varieties in the southwest USA.

A.C. Sweet Pomegranate shrub produces large, attractive, bright red fruit that are packed with healthful, soft, edible seeds. Each seed is surrounded by sweet, flavourful, refreshing pink-red flesh ("arils"). The tender arils can eaten fresh, or coldpressed to make delicious and healthful fruit juices. This particular variety is able to keep its fruits hanging on the plant for weeks without splitting. Pomegranate fruits are ready to be harvested in September.

New growth emerges with a striking red-orange colour, and matures into dark red stems with shiny green folage. The colourful leaves turn gold-yellow in the fall. Lovely, bright red flowers appear between June and July. The A.C. Sweet Hardy Pomegranate plant is self-fertile, however planting other varieties nearby could improve fruit yield and size. Plants may take 2-3 years before they start producing flowers and bearing fruits.

A.C. Sweet is one of the most cold hardy pomegranate varieties. It is hardy to zone 7a (-18 °C). While this shrub is relatively hardy, in areas colder than zone 7a, it is recommended that you grow it in containers or planters, and bring it in a warmer area (inside a cold frame greenhouse for example) during the coldest winter months (from November to March). For proper growth, this pomegranate variety requires 150 chill hours (=being exposed to 150 hours below 10 °C). A.C. Sweet Pomegranate tree is easy to grow, and mostly pest and disease free. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil.