How to Grow and Care for Persimmons

Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a hardy, low-maintenance fruit tree that produces delicious, sweet fruit in the fall. With their attractive foliage, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in various climates, persimmons are an excellent addition to any home orchard.

Planting Persimmon Trees

Persimmons are adaptable but grow best with proper site selection and planting techniques.

1. Site Selection: Choose a sunny location where trees will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Persimmons prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They tolerate a range of soil types but perform best in loamy, nutrient-rich soil.
2. Choosing a Variety: Persimmons are divided into two main types:
   • Astringent Varieties: Must be fully ripe and soft before eating. Popular varieties include: Caramel Cocktail, Sugar Daddy, Hachiya, and the American Persimmon.
   • Non-Astringent Varieties: Can be eaten while still firm. Popular varieties include: Fuyu Jiro, Fuyu Gosho, and the Chocolate Persimmon.
3. Planting from Saplings: Plant grafted persimmon trees or bare-root saplings in early spring. Space trees 12-15 feet apart for smaller varieties and 20-30 feet apart for larger varieties. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as in the nursery container. Water thoroughly after planting.
4. Pollination Needs: Some persimmons are self-pollinating, such as our Sugar Daddy Persimmon, while others require cross-pollination with a second tree for fruit production, like our Caramel Cocktail Persimmon. Check the specific variety before planting to determine if another tree is needed.

Growing Persimmon Trees

Persimmons require little maintenance but benefit from proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

1. Watering and Mulching: Young trees need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Once established, persimmons are drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with consistent moisture. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Fertilizing: Persimmons do not require heavy feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring if growth is slow. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce fruit production. Organic compost or mulch can also provide essential nutrients.
3. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or weak branches in late winter to improve airflow and tree shape. Thinning fruit in heavy-bearing years can prevent branches from breaking under excessive weight.

Harvesting Persimmons

Persimmons typically begin bearing fruit within 3-5 years after planting.

1. Harvest Timing: Persimmons ripen in the fall, usually between September and November, depending on the variety. Astringent varieties should be fully soft before eating, while non-astringent varieties can be eaten when firm.
2. Harvesting Method: Use pruning shears to cut the fruit from the tree, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Store persimmons at room temperature until ripe or refrigerate for longer storage.

Persimmon Tree Care and Maintenance

• Pest and Disease Control: Persimmons are relatively pest-resistant but may attract birds and wildlife. Netting or tree wraps can help protect ripening fruit.
• Weed Management: Keep the base of the tree free from weeds and grass to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Winter Protection: While persimmons are cold-hardy, young trees benefit from mulching around the base to protect roots in harsh winters.