Persimmon trees (Diospyros spp.) are an excellent choice for home gardeners looking to grow a unique, low-maintenance fruit tree. These trees produce sweet, honeyed fruit with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture or a crisp bite, depending on the variety. These trees add beauty to the landscape with their striking fall foliage and abundant fruit. If you’re ready to enjoy homegrown persimmons, here’s what you need to know to successfully plant, care for, and harvest your own.
Why Grow Persimmons?
Persimmons are an easy-to-grow, rewarding fruit tree that offers both delicious harvests and ornamental beauty. Since they are not commonly found in grocery stores, growing your own means enjoying fresh, flavorful persimmons straight from the tree. Once established, these trees are low-maintenance and can adapt to different climates.
Choosing the Right Persimmon Variety
Persimmons are sorted into two categories: astringent and non-astringent varieties, each with unique characteristics.
Astringent Persimmons
Astringent persimmons must be fully ripe and soft before eating. These varieties are high in tannins, which cause a dry, puckering sensation when unripe but become rich and sweet when mature. Astringent varieties include: Caramel Cocktail, Sugar Daddy, Hachiya, and the American Persimmon.
Non-Astringent Persimmons
Non-astringent persimmons can be eaten while still firm, making them more versatile for fresh eating and cooking. These varieties include Fuyu Jiro, Fuyu Gosho, and the Chocolate Persimmon.
Where and How to Plant Persimmon Trees
Planting persimmon trees in the right conditions ensures healthy growth and a productive harvest.
Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily) promotes better fruiting.
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Spacing: Trees should be spaced 15-20 feet apart to allow for proper airflow.
Pollination: Some persimmons are self-pollinating, but many need a second tree for cross-pollination. For example, Caramel Cocktail Persimmons require a pollinator, like the self-pollinating Sugar Daddy Persimmon.
Planting Steps:
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough to accommodate roots.
- Position the tree at the same depth as it was in its nursery container.
- Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
- Water deeply after planting to help establish root growth.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect against weeds.
Caring for Persimmon Trees
Once established, persimmons are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from consistent care.
Watering: Water young trees regularly, especially during dry periods. Persimmons are drought-tolerant but appreciate deep watering in prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. Avoid over-fertilization, as too much nitrogen can lead to excess foliage and fewer fruits. Organic options like compost and well-rotted manure improve soil structure and nutrient availability.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed beyond removing dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and encourage airflow. For heavier fruiting, thin excess fruit clusters to improve size and quality.
Winter Protection: American persimmons are cold hardy but mulch heavily around young Asian persimmons in colder zones to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
When and How to Harvest Persimmons
Persimmons typically begin bearing fruit 3-5 years after planting, with harvest time falling in late summer to early winter. When harvesting, we recommend using a pruner to slice the fruit directly off the tree at the branch with part of the stem intact. Depending on the persimmon variety, the harvesting time will vary:
Harvesting Astringent Persimmons:
The fruit is highly astringent, or puckering/dry, until fully ripe. You need to wait until they soften and fall naturally before picking. Fully ripe astringent persimmons have a sweet, caramel-like flavor.
Harvesting Non-Astringent Persimmons:
Non-Astringent Persimmons can be eaten while still firm, like an apple. You will want to pick the fruit when it turns deep orange and remove it carefully to prevent bruising. This variety is great for fresh eating, slicing it into salads, or baking.
Storage Tips:
Persimmons can be stored at room temperature until soft. You can also refrigerate ripe fruit for up to two weeks. They can be dried, frozen, or used in baking.
Persimmon Tree Pest & Disease Management
Persimmon trees are naturally pest-resistant, but they have been known to attract wildlife and weeds.
Pest Resistance: Birds and deer like to snack on the fruit of persimmon trees. You can use bird netting or lightweight row covers to protect the fruit of the tree. You can also remove any fallen fruit from the ground promptly to avoid attracting any other animals.
Weed Management: Keep the base weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Persimmon trees make a great addition to any backyard. With minimal care, you can enjoy homegrown persimmons that are healthier, fresher, and tastier than store-bought options. By selecting the right variety, planting in ideal conditions, and following simple maintenance tips, you’ll be rewarded with delicious fruit year after year.
