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Pomegranate Season in California 2026: U-Pick Farms & When to Go

June 10, 2026 · 7 min read

California pomegranate season runs September through November, peaking in October. California produces the vast majority of U.S. pomegranates — most from the San Joaquin Valley — and the fall harvest window aligns almost perfectly with the best weather for a day trip. Here's when to go, how to pick well, and where to find u-pick farms.

When is pomegranate season in California?

Pomegranate season runs September through November, with peak availability and sweetest fruit in October.

  • San Joaquin Valley (Tulare, Fresno, Kings counties) — The commercial center of California pomegranate production. Farms around Clovis, Livingston, and Hanford grow the Wonderful variety at scale for fresh markets. Season runs late September through November.
  • East Bay / Brentwood — The Urban Edge Farm in Brentwood carries pomegranates as part of its fall u-pick lineup, convenient for Bay Area visitors.
  • Coachella Valley / Inland Empire— Southern California's hot, dry climate suits pomegranates well. Some farms in this region harvest slightly earlier — late September into October.

How to pick a ripe pomegranate

Unlike most fruit, pomegranates don't continue to ripen after they're picked — and you can't tell ripeness by color alone:

  • Weight — The most reliable indicator. A ripe pomegranate is heavy for its size; the arils (seeds) are full of juice. Pick up two that look the same and take the heavier one.
  • Shape — A ripe pomegranate flattens slightly on its sides as the arils press outward. A perfectly round pomegranate may not be fully ripe. The crown end develops a flattened or angular look at peak.
  • Skin — Deep crimson to red; the skin should be tough and leathery rather than smooth. Some cracking is normal at peak ripeness and is not a defect — cracked pomegranates are often the sweetest.
  • Sound — A ripe pomegranate makes a metallic sound when tapped, not a dull thud. Listen for that hollow ring.

Pomegranates store exceptionally well — they keep at room temperature for up to a month and refrigerated for 2–3 months. Arils can be frozen in a single layer then transferred to a bag; they keep for up to a year.

The Wonderful variety

The Wonderful variety accounts for nearly all commercial California production. Developed in the 1890s and popularized by POM Wonderful in Kern County, it has deep red arils, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and good shelf life. At u-pick farms you may also encounter:

  • Haku Botan — Japanese variety with pink arils and a milder, sweeter flavor than Wonderful.
  • Parfianka — Soft-seeded, wine-red arils with a rich, complex flavor. Favored by specialty growers.
  • Angel Red — Very juicy, soft seeds, light red arils. Popular for fresh eating and juicing.

U-pick pomegranate farms in California

Central Valley

East Bay / Brentwood

Frequently asked questions

When is pomegranate season in California?

California pomegranate season runs September through November, peaking in October. The San Joaquin Valley produces the bulk of the commercial crop; the East Bay and Coachella Valley also have farms with fall pomegranate harvests.

How do I know when a pomegranate is ripe?

The best indicator is weight — a ripe pomegranate is heavy for its size. Look for deep crimson skin with a slightly flattened, angular shape at the crown end. A metallic tap-sound (not a dull thud) is another sign. Don't worry about cracked skin — cracked pomegranates are often the ripest and sweetest.

How long do pomegranates keep?

Pomegranates store exceptionally well. Whole fruit keeps at room temperature for up to a month, or refrigerated for 2–3 months. Separated arils freeze well for up to a year. This makes them one of the best crops to pick in bulk.

How do I deseed a pomegranate without making a mess?

Score the pomegranate into sections around the crown, then break it apart underwater in a bowl. The arils sink and the white pith floats — skim it off, drain, and you're done. No staining, no spraying.

Are there pomegranate festivals in California?

Yes — the Wonderful Pomegranates Harvest Festival has been held in the San Joaquin Valley and Coachella area in October, celebrating California's pomegranate harvest. Several farms also hold harvest-season events during October and November.