---
title: "How to Harvest Pomegranates"
description: "Learn how to harvest pomegranates at peak ripeness for the best flavor and juiciness. Discover key indicators like color, shape, and sound, plus tips for proper picking and storage."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/harvesting/pomegranates"
published: "2026-02-16T21:35:31.906Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:20:29.486Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/nNM0Mho3TPCRJyuTFfL3kQ.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Harvest Pomegranates

## Harvesting Pomegranates

Pomegranates should be harvested fully ripe on the tree, as they do not continue to sweeten after picking. Proper timing ensures juicy arils and rich flavor.

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/7reBrPJgR62Jba_w0_xZAQ.webp?size=large)

## Care instructions

1. **Wait for full color.**  
   Pomegranates are ready when they develop their full, deep color for the variety (red, pink, or yellowish). The skin should look firm and leathery.
2. **Check shape and firmness.**  
   Ripe fruit often becomes slightly angular rather than perfectly round, as the arils inside expand. The fruit should feel heavy for its size.
3. **Tap test for ripeness.**  
   A ripe pomegranate may produce a metallic sound when tapped gently.
4. **Don’t wait too long.**  
   Overripe fruit can split open on the tree, especially after rain. Harvest promptly once mature.
5. **Cut — don’t pull.**  
   Use pruners to cut the fruit from the branch, leaving a short piece of stem attached. Avoid pulling, which can damage the plant.
6. **Harvest during dry conditions.**  
   Pick on a dry day to improve storage quality and reduce the risk of cracking.
7. **Handle carefully.**  
   Although the rind is firm, rough handling can cause internal damage.
8. **Store properly after harvesting.**  
   Store whole pomegranates at room temperature for short-term use or in the refrigerator for longer storage. They keep well for several weeks when chilled.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I know when to harvest pomegranates?

Pomegranates are ready when they develop their full, deep color and the skin looks firm and leathery. Ripe fruit also feels heavy for its size, often becomes slightly angular, and may produce a metallic sound when tapped gently.

### Do pomegranates continue to ripen after picking?

No, pomegranates should be harvested fully ripe on the tree, as they do not continue to sweeten after picking. Proper timing ensures you get juicy arils and rich flavor.

### What is the best way to remove pomegranates from the tree?

Use pruners to cut the fruit from the branch, leaving a short piece of stem attached. Avoid pulling the fruit, as this can damage the plant.

### How should I store freshly harvested pomegranates?

Store whole pomegranates at room temperature for short-term use. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can remain fresh for several weeks.

### What happens if pomegranates are left on the tree too long?

If left on the tree for too long, overripe pomegranates can split open, especially after rain. It is best to harvest them promptly once they are mature.

## How to Harvest Pomegranates

1. Wait for pomegranates to develop their full, deep color for their variety, and ensure the skin looks firm and leathery.
2. Check that the fruit feels heavy for its size and has become slightly angular in shape.
3. Gently tap the pomegranate; a ripe fruit may produce a metallic sound.
4. Pick on a dry day to enhance the storage quality and minimize the risk of cracking.
5. Use pruners to cut the fruit from the branch, leaving a short piece of stem attached.
6. Handle the harvested pomegranates carefully, as rough handling can cause internal damage.
7. Store whole pomegranates at room temperature for short-term use or in the refrigerator for longer storage.

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_Source: Planta (https://getplanta.com), the plant care app for iOS and Android. Download the app: https://getplanta.com/download_