In this video, Tricia shares her tips for growing persimmon trees.
Growing and Caring for Persimmon Trees
Persimmons are a stunning and versatile addition to any garden. With their glossy green leaves and vibrant red-orange fruit, they offer both aesthetic appeal and delicious rewards. Whether eaten fresh, dried, or pickled, persimmons are a delightful fruit that is surprisingly easy to grow.
The Beauty of Persimmons
Native to China and Japan, oriental persimmon trees are relatively pest-free and provide a fiery display of red, orange, and yellow foliage in the fall. After the leaves drop, the dramatic orange fruit remains on the bare branches, creating a striking autumnal scene.
Planting and Care
Persimmons thrive in full sun with good drainage. While they tolerate heavier soils better than most fruit trees, overwatering, especially for young trees, is a common mistake. Established trees are drought-tolerant but will yield more fruit with regular watering.
- Hardiness: Persimmons are hardy down to zone 7 and have a low chill requirement, making them suitable for many climates.
- Pollination: The persimmon varieties sold at Grow Organic are self-pollinating.
- Pruning: Train your persimmon tree to a modified central leader system. Prune in winter, focusing on thinning cuts rather than heading back branches to avoid excessive water sprouts.
Harvesting and Thinning
Persimmons come in two types:
- Non-Astringent (Fuyu): Eaten fresh off the tree like an apple.
- Astringent (Hachiya): Must be fully ripe and soft to avoid astringency.
Thin out fruiting shoots and remove weak growth to prevent the tree from overbearing. To ripen Hachiya persimmons, pick them when fully colored but firm, then allow them to ripen indoors until they feel like a bag of jello.
Enjoying Your Persimmons
Once ripe, persimmons can be frozen whole for future use. Their sweetness and versatility make them perfect for fresh eating, desserts, or preserves.
A mature tree can produce 330 to 660 pounds of fruit annually, making it a valuable and productive part of your garden. Embrace the beauty and bounty of persimmon trees and grow organic for life!
Additional Resources
Looking to learn more about growing healthy, fruitful persimmon trees? Explore these helpful guides to deepen your knowledge and support your success:
-
🍊 Comparing American and Asian Persimmon Varieties – Understand the key differences to help you choose the right type for your climate and taste preferences.
-
✂️ Pruning Techniques for Healthy Persimmon Trees – Learn how and when to prune your tree for structure, fruit production, and long-term health.
-
🌱 Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Persimmon Trees – From site selection to first watering, get all the details you need to set your tree up for success.
-
🌤️ Optimal Growing Conditions for Persimmon Trees – A deep dive into sun, soil, water, and climate preferences to maximize growth and fruit quality.
-
📘 Comprehensive Guide to Growing Persimmon Trees – Your go-to manual for all things persimmon, from planting to harvest and beyond.
-
🌳 Shop Persimmon Trees – Browse our collection of organic and non-GMO persimmon trees and bring beauty and bounty to your landscape.
With these resources at your fingertips, you'll be ready to grow vibrant, productive persimmon trees that thrive year after year. Grow organic for life!
