How to Grow an American Persimmon Tree

The American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is an attractive addition to the home landscape. Often grown as a multi-stem large shrub, they have unusual dark gray-black bark contrasted by shiny elliptical leaves. The persimmon is hardy, adaptable, requires little maintenance and can provide an abundance of interesting fruit. To add this unusual specimen to your home garden, follow these easy steps.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Persimmon tree
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Select a planting site. Persimmons are successfully grown in deep, well-drained slightly acidic soil. A location that receives full sun is ideal for the tree although partial shade may be tolerated.

2. Dig a planting hole. The persimmon has a strong tap root so it requires a deeper planting hole than most trees. Persimmon roots are normally black and should not be considered diseased or dead. The depth of the planting hole is determined by the root system if planting a bare root specimen. If the transplant is containerized, dig the hole 4 times the width of the root ball and 1 1/2 half times the depth.

3. Position the tree in the planting hole and backfill a small portion of soil to stabilize. Fill the hole with water and allow the root ball and soil to absorb.

4. Backfill the remaining original soil and water again deeply. Persimmon roots grow slowly and require regular watering when newly transplanted.

5. Mulch the entire planting area.

Tips & Warnings

• The persimmon is a multitrunked or single-stemmed deciduous tree that is hardy in planting zones 7 through 10. This is a tree for areas with moderate winters and mild summers so check the USDA Hardiness Zone map for the trees suitability in your area.

• Persimmon trees are frequently purchased as bare root specimens through mail order distributors. Trees are normally shipped from December through March and it is advisable to plant as soon as it is received in the spring. Bare root plants shock easily so watering is important. Containerized trees transplant more successfully.

• If planting more than one tree, space them 20 to 25 feet apart. Persimmon usually grow to a height of 25 feet and equally as wide.

• Persimmon is dioecious. Each tree produces either male or female flowers. If growing the persimmon for its fruit both male and female trees must be planted.

• American persimmons tend to sucker heavily. Yearly pruning is required to maintain the tree's desired open vase shape and to focus growth into the main branches. Remove dead or broken limbs regularly.