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Can You Grow Pomegranate in Illinois?
US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a
Pomegranate is frost-tender — grow the Nana dwarf variety in a container and bring indoors over winter.
Plant zones
Illinois last frost
Illinois first frost
Days to harvest
About Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean shrub that produces jewel-like fruit packed with antioxidants. Dwarf varieties grow beautifully in containers and overwinter indoors in cold climates.
Grow in the hottest spot in your garden — reflected heat from a south wall is ideal. Needs 120+ days of heat to ripen fruit. In cold zones, grow Wonderful or Nana dwarf in a 15+ gallon container and overwinter indoors in a cool bright room.
Gardening in Illinois
Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Pomegranate in Illinois?
Pomegranate is frost-tender — grow the Nana dwarf variety in a container and bring indoors over winter.
What zone is Illinois?
Illinois spans USDA Zone 5b (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).
When do you plant Pomegranates in Illinois?
See the planting guide for Pomegranate — timing depends on your exact frost date.