this is depends on the location where the tree is, in this case, if the tree is kept inside, and was brought inside before being subjected to any cold climate, it should keep its leaves. If it experience cold below 40, and was then brought inside with no strong light it will drop the leaves. The pomegranates in Puerto Rico don't drop their leaves, don't get a "winter rest" and thrive.
This is not really accurate. Pomegranates are NOT tropical species, but can be grown in those zones. Pomegranates are also NOT temperate zone species, but can be grown in some zones. The amount of hardiness both ways can depend on the cultivar, but for the most part, they seem to like to have cooler winters to rest.
treesofjoy.com
I have seen them in ground in MD and Tennessee, Puerto Ricans are stubborn and they like their fruits without having to pay $2 ea or more in a grocery store. My friends cover them with frost blankets when they expect below freezing weather.This is not really accurate. Pomegranates are NOT tropical species, but can be grown in those zones. Pomegranates are also NOT temperate zone species, but can be grown in some zones. The amount of hardiness both ways can depend on the cultivar, but for the most part, they seem to like to have cooler winters to rest.
Don't think that's right?, argue with the University of Florida
HS44/MG056: The Pomegranate
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension outreach is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. The University of Florida (UF), together with Florida A&M University (FAMU)...edis.ifas.ufl.edu
This person is growing them in-ground in Pennsylvania, apparently.
Pomegranates for cold climate - Trees of Joy
Pomegranates for cold climate Posted by treesofjoy on Jul 11, 2011 10:36 pm The Pomegranate is one of the most ancient fruit that is cultivated today. It is native to the Middle East and central Asia. It is considered a sub tropical fruit; however it is widely adaptable to many climates. The...
I was going to comment on this, too.
“Need” is too strong a word. Pomegranates may prefer a cold dormancy period, but they will get along fine without it. I have several, grown from seed, and none of them have ever spent a winter outside. They are doing fine. They may drop leaves in the fall, depending on how cold it gets outside before I bring them in, but they’ll bud out and go on their merry way growing indoors under lights. If you can give them a cold dormancy in an unheated garage, greenhouse, or cold frame, great! But, I wouldn’t sweat it if bringing them indoors is the only option available to you (as is the case for me).
Was that the forecast or did you actually measure that in/on the pot? Because that is cold approaching the limits of the hardiest cultivars that are known.
Was the tree completely buried in snow? I’d expect loss of some branches if there were any exposed at that temperature.
