Persimmon Tree
With a graceful form, attractive, leathery, dark green leaves that turn yellow to scarlet in the fall, and glowing orange fruit that hangs on long after the leaves have fallen, persimmons may be the most ornamental fruit tree for our climate.
Plant care & info
Full Sun.
Persimmons don’t appreciate root disturbance, so be gentle when planting in well-drained soil.
Like most trees, persimmons require infrequent, deep watering; a slow application of 5-10 gallons to the root zone, about once a week during summer.
Persimmons need little pruning, except preliminary training and potentially some heading back to protect branches from breakage in heavy crop years.
The only pests we know of for persimmons are squirrels, birds, and deer! Sprays are unnecessary.
The persimmon varieties we carry are self-fruitful.
Fruit production begins about five years after planting. The fruit is borne on the current season’s growth. Heavy crops can break brittle branches so thinning may be necessary. Harvest non-astringent types when they are fully colored and firm. Astringent varieties are not edible until very soft.
Fresh persimmons keep for about 2 months in the refrigerator. They may also be frozen or dried.
Persimmons break dormancy extremely late in the season. A young tree may not leaf out until late summer or even fall. If you think your tree may be dead, lightly scrape a branch with your fingernail…if you see green, the tree is alive. Please be patient!
Click to download this year’s Persimmon Varieties.
Learn more about: Pruning & Training Fruit Trees.
The Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki) varieties commonly grown may be either astringent or non-astringent. Astringent Asian varieties are usually acorn-shaped and must be ripened off the tree, eaten when soft like a tomato, and very sweet.
Non-astringent varieties can be eaten when firm, harvested directly off the tree. They usually have a flattened shape.
