Favorite Pomegranate is a Russian cultivar bred for cold-hardy regions, thriving in Zones 7-9 where traditional pomegranates struggle. This medium-sized shrub reaches roughly 8-10 feet across, fitting neatly into smaller landscapes while delivering full-sized fruit. A true dual-purpose plant, it combines ornamental appeal with reliable edible harvests, all while shrugging off heat, humidity, and drought once established. Its deer resistance and sun-loving nature make it a practical choice for exposed gardens where other fruit plants falter.
Full Sun
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7-9
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The Favorite earned its name for good reason: it's a pomegranate bred specifically to extend the growing range northward from the traditional 9-11 zone belt. Russian breeders developed this variety to produce substantial fruit in protected areas of Zone 6 and reliably in Zones 7-9, opening pomegranate cultivation to gardeners who assumed they'd never have the climate for it. Compact and heat-tolerant, it thrives in full sun with minimal fussing once its roots are established, handling both drought and humidity without complaint.
Favorite Pomegranate is grown primarily for its edible fruit. The pomegranates can be eaten fresh, with the arils (the juicy seed sacs) eaten raw or added to salads, grain bowls, and desserts for tartness and visual pop. The fruit also processes well into juice, which can be used in cooking, cocktails, or preserved as concentrate. Beyond the kitchen, the shrub itself serves an ornamental role in the landscape, with its attractive foliage and showy flowers adding visual interest when fruit production isn't the sole focus.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant bare-root or container-grown pomegranates in early spring after frost danger passes, when soil is workable. Choose a spot with full sun exposure and ensure the soil drains well. Space plants 8-10 feet apart. Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture for the first growing season to help establish a strong root system.
Harvest pomegranates when the fruit develops full color (typically deep red to burgundy, depending on ripeness) and the skin feels slightly soft to gentle pressure. The fruit should be relatively heavy for its size. Pick by twisting gently or cutting with pruners; pomegranates don't continue to ripen after harvest, so timing is key. In Zones 7-9, expect fruit to mature in late summer through fall.
Prune pomegranates lightly to shape and remove any crossing or dead wood. The Favorite is naturally shrubby, so minimal pruning keeps it tidy; avoid heavy heading back, which can reduce fruiting. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
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“Favorite Pomegranate carries the fingerprints of Russian horticultural innovation. The variety, known locally as Lyubimy, emerged from deliberate breeding work aimed at expanding pomegranate cultivation into colder climates where the crop had never flourished commercially. While the Favorite represents a modern cultivar rather than an ancient heirloom, its creation reflects a serious commitment to crop adaptation, born from the practical need to grow pomegranates reliably in regions with shorter seasons and harsher winters. This work allowed gardeners in marginal climates to finally grow pomegranates as functional, productive plants rather than botanical curiosities.”