How to Grow Persimmon From Seed

Use seeds from the persimmon fruit to grow a new tree.

The persimmon tree is native to Kentucky reaches a height of 25 feet. It produces red or orange fruit with a sweet flavor. A persimmon tree does not generally produce fruit until it is more than 25 years old. Some trees have been shown to produce fruit at 10 years of age. Propagate persimmon trees by planting the seeds obtained from the fruit.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towel
• Plastic bag
• Sand
• Small pots
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Remove the seeds from inside of the fruit and rinse of any pulp clinging to them with warm water. A persimmon generally contains one to eight seeds.

2. Spread the seeds out in a warm, dry area on a paper towel or plate and allow them to dry for two days.

3. Fill a sandwich bag with moist sand and bury the seeds 2 to 3 inches deep. Place the bag in the back of the bottom shelf of a refrigerator. Leave the seeds in place for three months.

4. Place the seeds in a small container of water and let them soak for two to three days before planting. Planting is best done in spring, it is fine to leave the seeds in the refrigerated sand for longer to wait for spring to arrive.

5. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in small containers filled with loose potting soil. Add enough water to make the soil damp, but not soggy. Place them in a sunny location.

6. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they are at least 3 inches high. Gently remove them from the container and trim 1/4 inch from the bottom of the roots with sharp scissors. Plant them 15 to 20 feet apart in a location that receives full sun for the majority of the day.

Tips & Warnings

• The best soil for planting new persimmon trees has a PH level between 6.0 and 6.5. Fertilizer or compost can be added to change the pH level.

References

• USDA Forest Service: Common Persimmon
• University of Hawaii: Persimmon
• University of Kentucky: American Persimmon