How to Fertilize Fuyu Persimmon Trees

The Fuyu Persimmon tree has been cultivated for centuries and came to the United States in the mid 1800s. If you're lucky enough to have one (or a few) of these trees in your yard or garden, proper fertilization is key to optimal growth.

Things You'll Need

• 1 bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer
• 1 bag of mulch
• 1 bag of top soil or homemade compost
• Garden hose or full watering can
• Garden spade or shovel

Instructions

1. Apply an adequate amount of 10-10-10 fertilizer (recommended by Four Winds Growers) to the soil surrounding your persimmon tree.

2. Using your shovel, lightly mix the spread fertilizer into the topsoil surrounding the persimmon tree.

3. Cover the fertilizer/soil mixture around the plant with mulch. Be certain to keep the mulch away from the base of the tree to allow for proper circulation.

4. Spread a layer of compost or topsoil atop the mulch.

5. Water the entire area surrounding your persimmon tree, using either a garden hose or your watering can. Full saturation is best, as the roots need to pick up the fertilizer deep within the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• You might not need to take care of the persimmon tree as much as you think. Richard Hayden, professor emeritus at the Purdue University Department of Horticulture, says that "care of the persimmon is minimal. Fertilization is not usually necessary, other than the fertilization which would normally be given to a lawn."

References

• Persimmon Information
• Persimmon Fruit Facts
• Persimmons