Makedonia Red Pomegranate

Makdonia (sometimes sold as Makedonia Red or “Greek Red”) is a pomegranate variety grown as a fruiting shrub or small tree. It’s known for showy red orange flowers and red fruit with a sweet tart flavor. It’s often chosen by growers who want a pomegranate that can handle cooler winters compared to many other varieties.

Quick facts

Plant type: Fruiting shrub or small tree

Botanical name: Punica granatum

USDA zones: Commonly listed around 6-9, with best reliability in warmer parts of that range

Thorns: Yes

Plant size

Mature height: Often about 8-12 ft in-ground, can be kept smaller with pruning

Mature width: Often about 8-12 ft

Spacing: About 6-10 ft depending on how large you want it to grow

Flowers

Bloom: Bright red orange flowers, typically late spring through summer depending on climate

Fruit

Skin and arils: Red to red-orange skin, red arils inside

Flavor: Sweet tart

Seed texture: Often described as semi-hard

Ripening and harvest

Season: Typically late summer into fall, timing varies by region

Harvest tip: Pick when fruit is fully colored, heavy for its size, and the rind feels firm

Growing tips

Water: Water consistently the first year, then deep water during flowering and fruit fill for better size and quality

Fertilizer: Light feeding in spring is usually enough, too much nitrogen can reduce fruiting

Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or crowded wood, keep a strong framework, avoid heavy pruning if you want maximum fruit

Cold-weather notes

In cooler areas, plant in a protected spot with wind shelter and good sun exposure

In climates with frequent hard freezes, many growers use a container so the plant can be moved to protection during the coldest weather

What you’re getting

A pomegranate variety valued for ornamental flowers and sweet tart fruit, commonly selected by growers aiming for better cold tolerance than standard warm-climate types