Pomegranate 'Kara Bala Miursal' Punica granatum)
Rare Black Jewel Pomegranate with Deep Color & Rich Flavor
‘Kara Bala Miursal’ is one of the rarest and most sought-after pomegranate cultivars, originally hailing from the Caucasus region and Central Asia, where pomegranates have been revered for thousands of years. The name "Kara Bala" translates to "Black Baby" — a nod to its extraordinarily dark, almost black-skinned fruit and intensely colored arils. The flavor is complex: sweet, tangy, and rich, with a depth that sets it apart from standard varieties. This hardy, drought-tolerant shrub is perfect for collectors and gardeners looking for a unique and productive addition to their edible landscape, food forest, or permaculture design.
Why Grow Pomegranate 'Kara Bala Miursal'?
- Produces extremely dark-skinned fruit with deep red-black arils
- Sweet-tart, rich flavor highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs
- Cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established
- Beautiful ornamental value with showy red-orange flowers
- Excellent for fresh eating, juicing, preserving, and culinary use
Growing Tips
Plant Kara Bala Miursal in full sun for best fruit production. It thrives in well-drained, loamy to sandy soil and tolerates both alkaline and slightly acidic conditions. Water regularly while young; once established, it’s highly drought-tolerant. Prune in late winter to encourage airflow, remove crossing branches, and promote larger fruit. In colder zones (as low as USDA Zone 7), some winter protection may be helpful during extreme cold snaps. This variety can be grown in containers where winters are harsh. Propagate by hardwood cuttings for best genetic consistency.