Persimmons are vibrant, flavorful fruits that can enhance any home garden. Known for their adaptability and striking orange fruits, persimmons are easy to grow and offer a rewarding harvest. Whether you’re growing Asian or American persimmons, understanding their care and maintenance is key to a bountiful yield.
Types of Persimmons
1. Asian Persimmons (Diospyros kaki)
Asian persimmons are typically grown in warmer climates and come in two main types:
- Non-astringent varieties: These, like ‘Fuyu,’ are sweet and can be eaten while firm.
- Astringent varieties: Such as ‘Hachiya,’ these must ripen fully to develop their characteristic sweetness.
2. American Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)
American persimmons are hardier and suitable for colder climates. Their fruits are smaller but have an intensely rich flavor when fully ripe.
Planting and Growing Tips
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Choose the Right Location
Persimmons thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They prefer loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5 but can tolerate a range of conditions. -
Planting Time
Plant persimmons in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. This allows the roots to establish before active growth begins. -
Soil Preparation
Improve soil drainage and fertility by incorporating organic matter like compost. If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting on a slight mound. -
Spacing and Depth
Ensure sufficient space for the tree to grow. Standard persimmon trees require 15–20 feet of spacing. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Care and Maintenance
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Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once mature, persimmons are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells. -
Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce fruit production. -
Pruning
Prune during the dormant season to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased branches. Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.
Pollination and Fruit Production
Some persimmon varieties are self-pollinating, but others require both male and female trees for fruit production. Check the pollination requirements of your chosen variety.
Common Pests and Diseases
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Persimmon Psylla
Small insects that can cause leaf curling. Manage them with regular tree maintenance and natural pest control methods. -
Twig Girdlers
Beetles that sever branches, causing them to fall. Prune and dispose of affected twigs to prevent spread. -
Leaf Spot
A fungal disease that causes discolored spots and premature leaf drop. Ensure proper spacing and pruning to improve air circulation.
Harvesting Persimmons
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Asian Persimmons:
Non-astringent varieties like ‘Fuyu’ can be picked when firm and fully colored. Astringent varieties like ‘Hachiya’ must ripen until soft before eating. -
American Persimmons:
Harvest when the fruit is soft and fully ripe for the best flavor.
Recommended Products
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Drip Irrigation Kits
Efficient watering systems to ensure consistent moisture levels.
Product Link -
Organic Fertilizers
Boost soil fertility and encourage healthy growth.
Product Link -
Felco Pruner No. 2
Maintain tree health with these high-quality pruning shears, ideal for precise cuts.
Product Link
17 comments
I have a young (4ft) ichi ki kei jiro persimmon tree in Zone 7. It was delivered a little early, so I kept it in my basement for 6 weeks until the weather warmed enough for planting. It was very happy down there and sprouted lots of new branches/leaves. I planted the tree outside 2 weeks ago and have noticed that some leaves are curling inward with dry crispy edges. Could this be from overwatering or maybe insect damage? I don’t think it’s from under watering/sun exposure because it’s been temperate and the tree is in a partially-shaded spot. We’ve had some heavy spring rains and I’ve been watering it every 2-3 days if the weather has been dry. Thank you!
Andrea, I think you should be able to cut out the area that the slug ate and you have the rest.
Can I eat persimmons that have had slugs eating on them.? Some have a perfectly round hole where the slug has been. Note, my trees are all volunteers. Had one in the yard when I bought the house,three more have sprung up. So I don’t know much about growing them, I just collect what fall off. Thanks
Jenn, there may be several reasons why your young fruit is dropping. First you may be overwatering. Persimmons like infrequent deep watering. On average persimmons only need about 36" a year to survive. They are quite drought tolerant, especially older trees. Another thing may be too much nitrogen and not enough phosphorus. You can add a slow release phosphorus like soft rock phosphate, or a fertilizer that has more phosphorus than nitrogen. I really like our Foothill Fertilizer Mix (without nitrogen) to add to your trees in the summer. It won’t help this year, but will for next year. Do you thin your fruit? Trees will naturally drop fruit in June/July if the fruit set is too heavy for the tree to support. Is your tree in full sun? Persimmons need to grow in full sun. So many factors could go into why your tree is not holding onto the fruit. But I think I have highlighted a few things to ponder.
I have a fuyu about 5 years old. Last year all the fruits dropped around this time of the year when they are tiny. This year, they are a bit bigger around 4cm but starting to drop. Leaves look fine. In Northern California. Last fertilized in May. Watering once a week