The fruit once impossible to grow in Dalmatian Hinterland now a hit

It used to be unthinkable to cultivate pomegranates, or šipak as they are known in Croatia, in the country’s Dalmatian Hinterland region.

The reason for this was primarily due to the low temperatures during autumn, winter, and early spring in the southern inland hinterland in the region of Dalmatia.

However, in recent years, pomegranates have been planted everywhere across the region—from Imotski, through Sinj, to Knin and Drniš, Slobodna Dalmacija reported.

Locals are now seeing fruit varieties thriving in the Split hinterland that once wouldn’t have survived.

Pomegranates thrive in hot summers and mild winters. The optimal average daily temperature for growth is up to 12°C. Winter temperatures between -11°C and -15°C are harmful, and the plant freezes at -20°C. Late autumn and early spring frosts also pose a problem, says Agroklub.

Pomegranate is a shrub that can grow up to 3 metres tall. In spring, after the leaves emerge, red flowers bloom, which later develop into fruits. These fruits reach their maximum size in August, starting to redden slowly, and fully ripen by October or November.

Trees exposed to ample sunlight and warmth produce more flowers and fruit, which tend to be larger, better coloured, and less prone to splitting.

Vegetation begins in the second half of March and lasts for 180 to 215 days. The plant has a long flowering period, with fruit ripening occurring 120 to 160 days after flowering, depending on the variety.

It’s crucial for the soil to have enough moisture during the periods of intense root growth in autumn and spring, as well as during the growing phases of fruit and shoots. Thus, a consistent distribution of rainfall is essential, or if that’s not possible, irrigation must be ensured.

Pomegranates thrive best in deep, well-drained sandy-loam soils rich in organic matter (humus) and nutrients. However, they don’t tolerate heavy clay or overly waterlogged soils.