Persimmon Tree: Care, Growing Guide, & Facts
Persimmon Tree Description
When mature, persimmons are tiny, brilliant orange fruits with an extraordinarily lively flavour; when unripe, they are frequently unpleasant and nearly inedible.
The Japanese or Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is the most widely farmed type, with China producing over 80% of the world’s commercial persimmon output. They are grown in the United States, but only in the hottest parts of the country (California, Florida, and Texas).
American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) are native to eastern North America, and while they aren’t as frequently cultivated as Asian persimmons and aren’t yet rated as a commercial crop, they are far more cold-hardy.
This makes them an excellent choice for novice gardeners to attempt planting in their yard once any frost has gone in the spring. The persimmon from the United States is the subject of this recipe.
These trees are slow-growing, and it might take seven to ten years for them to produce fruit. When fully mature, the fruit has a custard-like texture and a sweet flavour that many people compare to honey. The blue-green leaves of this deciduous tree turn yellow and orange in the autumn.
How To Grow Persimmon Tree?
Pick a good location with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. Because American persimmons may grow to be 35 to 50 feet tall, giving them plenty of area to spread.
Because persimmon trees have a strong taproot that may reach great depths, this must be taken into account; this is why persimmons do not grow well in pots.
How To Care Persimmon Tree?
i. Light
Persimmons, like other fruit trees, benefit from full light. It’s OK to have some midday shade. Please remember that persimmons ripen in late October, so be aware of changing light patterns throughout the year.
ii. Soil
Persimmons need somewhat acidic, loamy soil, although they may grow in a variety of environments. Salty soils are not conducive to their growth. To avoid root rot and fungal issues, plant your apple tree in a location with sufficient drainage.
iii. Water
Except during a particularly dry season, persimmon trees should not require further irrigation once planted. During a drought, water deeply at the roots once a week. After they’ve been planted or transplanted, they’ll need to be watered on a regular basis.
iv. Temperature and Humidity
Persimmons grown in the United States are hardy to USDA zone 4, meaning they can resist harsh winter conditions and temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
They want a little air movement, but don’t place them where they’ll be overly exposed to winter winds. They can also withstand hot weather up to Zone 9.
They perform best in locations with a lot of deciduous trees and prefer a reasonable level of humidity, so they don’t do well in arid temperatures.
v. Fertilizer
Persimmons prefer loamy soil, although they may get by without additional fertiliser. If your soil isn’t particularly rich, add some decent soil additives before planting it to ensure your persimmon tree has a healthy approach.
Varieties of Persimmon Tree
Persimmon cultivars are classified as “astringent” or “non-astringent,” with the latter affecting when they can be eaten. Astringent cultivars must be softened before eating, whilst non-astringent cultivars can be eaten crisp like apples.
Unlike Asian persimmons, however, all American persimmon varieties are categorised as astringent. There are several varieties of Asian persimmon.
Because the American persimmon isn’t as commonly cultivated as the Japanese persimmon, there is a considerably smaller selection, and they’re sometimes marketed under a generic name with no details about the cultivar.
It’s wise to seek out a specialty nursery if you’re looking for anything specific. Claypool, Dollywood, and Early Golden are among the most widely available varieties recognised for producing huge, excellent fruit.
Persimmon Tree Harvesting
Due to their intense astringency, American persimmons must be allowed to fully mature before being picked. They tend to ripen even after being harvested. Allowing them to fully soften is the greatest way to truly experience their sweet flavour.
The fruits ripen in late October and may stay on the tree well into the winter, providing a tasty feast for birds and other animals. While the fruit seems to be enormous for a berry, it really has a tomato-like morphology.
Persimmon Tree Pruning
Earlier on, American persimmon trees should be trimmed heavily to ensure a robust main branch structure. When the fruit clusters develop, the fruits might get heavy at the terminals of the branches, causing the branches to break.
Pruning the tree on a regular basis keeps it robust and healthy. Prune any dead branches after the plant has reached maturity. Pruning persimmons has excellent results, and they may be trimmed into hedges or even espalier forms.
Persimmon Tree Pests
Persimmons are typically pest and disease-free, although mealybugs and other ant-related pests can be an issue. To safeguard the fruit, use organic approaches.
