How to Stratify Persimmon Seeds

Persimmon seeds must be cold stratified to break their natural dormancy.

Persimmon seed has a reputation for being difficult to germinate. This is because ripe persimmon seed, picked from the tree in fall, is still in its dormant stage. In order for a persimmon seed's dormancy to be broken, it must be exposed to low temperatures for a period of time. This process is called cold stratification. In nature, persimmon seed falls to the ground in fall and spends the winter exposed to cold outdoor temperatures. To mimic this process, persimmon seed must be cold stratified indoors with the help of your refrigerator.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Peat moss
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Line the bottom of a plastic or wooden container with 2 inches of moistened peat moss.

2. Place clean, dry persimmon seed on top of the layer of moistened peat moss at least 1 inch apart.

3. Cover the persimmon seed layer with another 2-inch layer of moistened peat moss. Press the peat moss down with your hands to ensure good insulation, but do not pack it down tightly.

4. Place the container in your refrigerator. Leave it there to cold stratify for two to three months. Check on the moisture level of the peat moss every week or so. If it begins to dry out, moisten it with water from a spray bottle.

5. Remove the seed from the peat moss two to three days before planting.

Tips & Warnings

• You can naturally cold stratify persimmon seed by planting it outdoors in fall if temperatures are cold enough.

• Soak persimmon seed in room temperature water for two to three days before planting in spring.

References

• Tree Help: How to Propagate Fruits and Nuts by Seed
• Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry: Diospyros virginiana L.
• Floridata: Diospyros Virginiana