Persimmon Growing Guide

Diospyros virginiana

Persimmon

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.

Position

Choose full sun for Oriental persimmons. American persimmon trees tolerate partial shade from high pines or other typical neighbors.

Frost tolerant

Oriental persimmons tolerate cold to 10°F (-12°C). American persimmons tolerate much colder conditions, often surviving to -25F (-32C).

Feeding

Persimmons usually need no fertilizer when grown in lawns. Too much nitrogen can cause fruit to drop.

Companions

To get good fruit set, male and female trees are required of American persimmons. Oriental persimmons are self fertile, but fruit better when multiple trees are grown.

Spacing

Single Plants: 19' 8" (6.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 19' 8" (6.00m) with 19' 8" (6.00m) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out plants in late winter or early spring.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Persimmons do not need to go through a frost to be palatable, but they do need plenty of time to finish ripening after they have been picked. Persimmons may take seven years to start bearing, and then produce for decades.

Harvesting

Cut fruits from the tree before they are ripe, retaining the short pedicel. Store in a cool, dry place for up to four months.

Troubleshooting

Watch for aphids and other small sucking insects, which can often be brought under control with insecticidal soap.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Persimmon