Pomegranates, or Punica granatum, occur naturally in the arid uplands of Central Asia and are widely cultivated around the world for their large, seed-filled fruit. The shrubs range in height from 10 to 25 feet, with a spreading growth habit comprised of slender branches and glossy, oblong leaves. Showy, bright-red flowers emerge in mid-spring and later mature into large, hard-skinned fruit filled with hundreds of seeds held in small, juice-filled sacs called arils. Once removed from the aril, pomegranate seeds will germinate quickly and reliably if sown in moist soil with exposure to constant, gentle heat.

Instructions

1.Score around the outer hull of a fully ripe pomegranate, using the paring knife. Crack the pomegranate open and scoop out the seeds into a bowl, using the tip of the paring knife.

2.Extract the seeds from inside their juice-filled arils by squeezing them between your fingers or pressing them against the inside of the bowl. Rinse the seeds in cool water, then lay them out on a flat surface to dry.

3.Prepare a pot for each pomegranate seed. Fill 4-inch plastic pots with a mixture of 3 parts potting soil, 2 parts compost and 1 part perlite. Pour 1/2 cup of water into each pot. Press the soil to express the excess moisture.

4.Sow one pomegranate seed in each pot to a depth equal to the length of the seed. For instance, a seed that's a quarter inch long requires a planting depth of one-quarter inch.

5.Place the pots on a propagation mat set to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off the propagation mat at night to mimic the natural warming and cooling of the soil outdoors. Keep the soil lightly moist to a depth of 1 inch at all times.

6.Watch for germination in 10 to 15 days. Remove the pots from the propagation mat once the seedlings produce a set of mature leaves. Move the pots outdoors to a spot with partial shade during the afternoon.