How to Grow a Persimmon Tree

Both the Asian and American persimmon (Diosporyus species) are decorative trees that will enhance any landscape. The Asian Persimmon does best in zones 6-10 whereas the American persimmon can be grown in zones 5-9.

Instructions

1. 

   The persimmon will tolerate a little light shade, but will do best in full sun.

2. Plant your persimmon tree much like you would any other tree by digging the hole wider than deep so the bottom of the root ball so the root sits on firm soil. Persimmon trees have a delicate and somewhat brittle root system so move them carefully. The American persimmon tends to have a deeper tap root than most of the Asian cultviars, but all will branch laterally if they meet up with rock or soil too hard to penetrate. Plant your tree so the soil line matches where it was grown in a pot. Water your tree well after planting.

3. When first grown, keep your persimmon well watered. They are not fussy about soil though they prefer a slightly more acid mix with ample organics. Once established, they can be quite drought-tolerant. Water when the surface few inches are dry and water slowly over a period of time so the water penetrates deeply.

4. 

   Fruits are divided into two categories with the astringent type needing to grow soft before it is sweet enough to eat. The non-astringent types offer fruit that is sweet even when firm. Fruit high in vitamins A and C and offers a sweet, custard-like delight for the palette. If you want seeds you will need to plant another tree for cross-pollination. But most persimmon varieties will set fruit even if not pollinated and the fruit will then be seedless.

5. 

   Go light on feeding persimmon trees. Too much nitrogen can sometimes cause the fruit to drop.

6. 

   Both American and Asian persimmon trees are very decorative in the landscape. The Asian varieties tend to grow smaller at 10' - 25', the taller growing American varieties can grow from 20' - 50+' tall, but most can be carefully pruned to stay smaller. The flowers of the persimmon are not as showy as some other fruit trees though they are a pretty white. But the leaves are very ornamental. They are big and glossy and turn a brilliant red, orange or yellow in the autumn, usually about the same time as the fruits are ripe. And the fruits decorate the tree for a long season with their glowing orange-red spheres. The persimmon is a great tree for adding beauty, shade, color and tasty, unusual fruit to the garden.

Resources

• Gates & Croft Horticultural Design Info. & Ideas