“Highly regarded soft-seeded variety — 'parfiana' on camera resolves to Parfianka.”
Background
Imported from Dr. Gregory Levin's Garrigala agricultural station in Turkmenistan, a favored selection from a collection of over 1,000 pomegranate varieties, and introduced in the U.S. through UC Davis. Consistently top-rated in UC Davis taste tests; also sold as 'Garnet Sash.' The UA arboretum notes pomegranate appears in Egyptian mythology and art, the Old Testament, and the Babylonian Talmud.
Distinguishing traits
Large bright-red fruit with large bright-red arils and very small, soft, edible seeds; sweet with a hint of acidity. Vigorous upright habit; bears heavily even when young. Orange-red hibiscus-like blooms; harvest September-November. The UA arboretum describes pomegranate as a branched, spiny shrub or small tree of 16-20 feet with showy red vase-shaped flowers.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- 100-200 hours.
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zones 7-10; hardy to about 10°F.
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent heat tolerance.
- Water
- Regular deep watering; drought tolerant once established. The UA arboretum rates water use as low, calling it extremely drought tolerant.
- Soil
- Well-drained loam; adaptable. The UA arboretum notes it thrives on calcareous alkaline soil as well as deep acidic loam.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun.
Where to buy
- Park Seed
- Wayside Gardens