Aphids
Tiny pear-shaped insects 1 to 3 mm long, in shades of green, brown, or black. Cluster densely on the soft new growth, on flower bud stalks below the red trumpet blossoms, and on the calyx end of developing fruit. Spring is peak aphid season for pomegranate.
New leaves curl and twist as aphids drain sap. Flower bud stalks weaken and drop unopened blossoms. A sticky shiny film coats leaves and the developing fruit below, with black sooty mold growing on the residue over a few weeks. Heavy spring infestations weaken bloom and reduce the year's fruit set.
Strong water blast every 2 to 3 days for 2 weeks
Hold a hose nozzle 12 inches from the affected new growth and bud stalks and spray at high pressure. Most aphids dislodge and don't make it back to the tree. Repeat every 2 to 3 days for 2 weeks through the spring flush. The fastest, cheapest fix and works without chemicals.
Neem oil spray at dusk, every 5 days for 3 rounds
Mix 2 tablespoons cold-pressed neem oil with 1 teaspoon dish soap per gallon of water.
Spray the underside of every leaf, the bud stalks, and the calyx end of any developing fruit at dusk.
Repeat every 5 days for 3 rounds. Covers the egg-to-adult cycle.
Companion plant alyssum or yarrow within 3 feet
Plant alyssum, dill, or yarrow within 3 feet of the trunk. These attract ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on aphids. Established plantings keep pressure low through the spring bloom without sprays and last for years.
Spray malathion to kill aphids fast.
Malathion kills aphids but also kills the bees that pollinate pomegranate's red trumpet flowers. Without those pollinators the tree drops blossoms and you lose the season's fruit. Stick with water blasts or neem oil that target aphids without wiping out the beneficials.
