Monthly Tip

Picking pomegranates at the right time is important because they don’t continue to ripen after harvest. Clues to watch for: a deepening color of the fruit, a metallic sound when tapped, and softening skin that can be scratched with gentle pressure. When harvesting, clip the stem close to the fruit instead of pulling it off the tree. This prevents open wounds that may rot. Pomegranates are susceptible to splitting when watered unevenly, so if you've reduced irrigation because of the drought, you may want to harvest them quickly once winter rains start.

More information: Pomegranates, California Rare Fruit Growers