How to Grow Persimmon Trees

General Information

Botanical Name:

Diospyros virginiana (American), Diospyros kaki (Asian)

Common Names:

Persimmon, Persimmon Tree

Plant Family:

Ebenaceae

Type:

Deciduous; Fruit

Our Favorite Varieties:

Fuyu, Hachiya, Saijo, American Persimmon, Jiro

Know Before You Grow

Growing Zones:

4–10 (varies by type; American more cold hardy)

Frost Hardy:

Yes

Heat Tolerant:

Yes

Chill Hours:

100–400

Pollination Needs:

Some varieties are self-fertile; others benefit from or require a second tree

Rootstock:

Typically grown on seedling rootstock or grafted

Full Size:

15–35 feet depending on variety

Years to Produce:

3–6 years

In-Ground or Container:

Best in ground; dwarf types can be grown in large containers

Starting from Seed

When:

Fall or after cold stratification

Stratification:

Yes, 60–90 days cold stratification

Scarification:

Not required

Soil

Loose, well-draining seed-starting mix

Depth:

½–1 inch

Water:

Keep evenly moist

Germination:

2–6 weeks after stratification

Up Pot:

When seedlings are strong

Light:

Full sun once sprouted

Soil Temperature:

65–75°F

Heat Mat:

Optional

Harden Off:

7–10 days

Planting Site Prep:

Soil:

Well-draining loam; tolerates a range of soils

pH:

6.0–7.5

Drainage:

Must drain well

Sun:

Full sun (6–8+ hours)

Spacing:

Dwarf: 10–15 feet; semi-dwarf: 15–25 feet; standard: 20–35 feet apart. If the variety needs cross-pollination, plant a compatible tree within about 50 feet.

Hole Size:

2–3 times wider than root ball, same depth

Fertilizer/Feed:

Minimal at planting; light feeding after establishment

Compost:

Mix 1–2 inches if soil is poor

Mulch:

2–3 inches, kept away from trunk

Planting:

When:

Spring after frost or fall in mild climates

How:

Plant carefully; persimmons dislike root disturbance

Depth:

Same as nursery depth

Spacing:

10–15 feet apart; semi-dwarf: 15–25 feet apart; standard: 20–35 feet apart

Water:

Water deeply after planting

Mulch:

Apply 2–3 inches, keep 3–4 inches away from trunk

Staking:

Stake young trees if needed

Growing Care

Fertilizer/Feed:

Light feeding; too much nitrogen reduces fruiting

Water:

Moderate; water deeply during dry periods, especially while establishing

Pruning:

Minimal pruning; shape when young

Thinning:

Rarely needed

Mulching:

Maintain 2–3 inches to retain moisture and reduce weeds

Pollination:

Some varieties produce without pollination; others benefit from a partner

Winter Protection:

Generally hardy; protect young trees if needed

Summer Protection:

Maintain moisture during extreme heat

Companions & Antagonists

Plant Family:

Antagonists:

Clover

None

Comfrey

–

Herbs

–

Pollinator Plants

–

Attracts & Repels

Attracts:

Repels:

Wildlife, birds, pollinators

No strong repellent effect

Pests & Disease

Pests:

Disease:

Scale

Leaf Spot

Aphids

Root Rot

Mealybugs

–

Propagation

Seed:

Possible but not true to type

Cuttings:

Difficult

Grafting:

Standard method for named varieties

Layering:

Occasionally used

Harvest Time

When:

all when fruit is fully colored

How:

Pick when soft (astringent types) or firm (non-astringent types depending on variety)

What:

Fruit

Storing:

Refrigerate short term; allow to soften if needed

Preservation Methods:

Drying, freezing, baking, pulp for recipes

Uses:

Culinary Uses:

Fresh eating, baking, drying, pulp for desserts

Medicinal Uses:

Nutritional support, fiber

Wildlife Uses:

Food source for birds and animals

Landscape Uses:

Ornamental tree with fall color

Wood Uses:

Dense hardwood; small woodworking

Troubleshooting

Astringent fruit:

Needs to fully ripen before eating

No fruit:

Tree too young or pollination issues

Fruit drop:

Stress from drought or weather swings

Poor growth:

Transplant shock or poor drainage

Yellowing leaves:

Overwatering or nutrient imbalance

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