How to Plant a Fuyu Persimmon Tree
The fuyu persimmon is an oriental, or Japanese, variety of persimmon tree. Oriental persimmons were brought to the United States by Commodore Perry after his expedition to Japan in 1852. Widely planted in Japan, the fuyu is popular for its nonastringent fruit and ease of cultivation. Like other nonastringent varieties, the fruits are sweet while still crisp; you do not have to wait for the fruit to soften before you eat it. Oriental varieties of persimmon thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 10. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Select a sheltered location in the garden that receives at least eight hours of sunlight daily. Avoid planting a persimmon tree in windy locations; the wind combined with the weight of the fruit may break the branches.
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Dig a planting hole three times the width and slightly deeper than the fuyu persimmon tree's root ball. Persimmons require well-draining soil. If the soil is a heavy clay or does not drain well, consider building a raised bed for your tree.
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Slip the tree out of the pot. Persimmon roots are fragile, so handle them gently. Arrange the tree in the hole, and backfill the soil, tamping carefully to avoid damaging the roots. Plant at the same depth as in the pot.
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Water thoroughly after planting, then weekly thereafter during the growing season.
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Add 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the tree, completely covering the bare soil, then pulling it back 4 inches from the trunk. Mulch helps the soil retain water.
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Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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Monitor your fuyu persimmon tree for pests such as ants, mealybugs, thrips and whiteflies.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult your local cooperative extension office for information on growing persimmons in your area.
Prune the tree while it is dormant to maintain a vase shape.
Remove leaves and suckers from below the graft. Oriental persimmons are grafted onto American persimmon rootstock.
Wear gloves and safety glasses when digging and planting trees.
Avoid bare-root persimmon trees; the roots are easily damaged.
Avoid planting a persimmon near other varieties of persimmon; cross-pollination may result in seeds in the fruit.
