
ALTHOUGH not commonly planted in Sarawak, the persimmon tree can actually thrive in local gardens as long as you are willing to follow the correct horticulture practices. The tree is ideal for low maintenance landscape designs as it can withstand different types of weather conditions.
How to grow persimmon trees?
An important factor for those wanting to know how to grow persimmon trees includes the type and number of trees to plant. The American persimmon tree requires both male and female for fruit while the Asian variety is self-fruiting. If you have a smaller garden space, consider the Asian persimmon.
Where do Asian persimmons come from?
Asian persimmons, called kaki in much of the world, were brought to the United States about a hundred years ago. They had relatives already living here, the small, American persimmons that grow wild over the eastern United States. By the time these large, sweet foreigners arrived, in the mid-1800s, they were already well bred.
What is the sweetest persimmon plant?
Hachiyama – A small-sized persimmon that sweetens only when ripe and soft. Jiro – This plant has a drooping, languid appearance that makes it a popular ornamental. You can make tea from the leaves, and the fruit is squarish and sweet.
Which country is the largest producer of Persimmon?
The Leading Persimmon Producing Countries In The World. Persimmon, a fruit with various medicinal and chemical uses, is produced in large quantities by China, Republic of Korea, and Japan, the top 3 persimmon producers.
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Can persimmon grow in tropical countries?
Persimmon is a deciduous fruit tree which is predominantly cultivated in sub-tropical and warm temperate regions. Opportunities exist for expanding the production area of persimmon into tropical regions to meet domestic demand for fruit and for the establishment of export oriented production.
Where can persimmons be grown?
Where Does Permission Grow? The American persimmon, also known as the common persimmon, is native from Florida to Connecticut, west to Iowa and south to Texas. Persimmon trees can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. The American persimmon can tolerate temperatures down to -25 degrees F.
How many years does it take for a persimmon tree to bear fruit?
seven yearsPersimmons do not need to go through a frost to be palatable, but they do need plenty of time to finish ripening after they have been picked. Persimmons may take seven years to start bearing, and then produce for decades.
Are persimmons hard to grow?
Soil – Persimmons have a reputation for being very easy to grow, tolerating many conditions. They do well in a wide range of soil types, but favour deep, well-drained loam soils with a good supply of organic matter.
What climate do persimmons grow?
Asian persimmons are native to warm temperate and sub-tropical climates, but they can tolerate some cold weather and heavy soils, depending on the rootstock. 'Fuyu' and 'Hachiya' will thrive in Zone 7 and warmer. 'Hachiya' does especially well in California.
Do you need 2 persimmon trees to produce fruit?
Persimmon Types. American persimmons are not usually self-pollinating, but some named varieties are. If you choose a native seedling however, you will need a second tree to get a good harvest. Also, Japanese and American persimmons will not cross pollinate.
How old is a 5 ft persimmon tree?
4-5 Year Old (Approx. 3.5-5 Ft) Fuyu Persimmon Tree. Fuyu Persimmons are the most popular Japanese persimmons in the entire world!
Do persimmon trees need full sun?
When picking a location for your tree, try to find a well-drained area with sandy loam soil. This is the best for persimmons, but as long as there is good drainage your tree should thrive. Place your tree in full sun for the best growth and production rate.
Can persimmons be grown in pots?
Persimmon trees may also be grown in containers and stored in an unheated basement or garage for the winter if they are not cold-hardy to your zone. If grown in pots, these trees should be repotted every second or third year with fresh soil. Potted trees should be planted at the same depth they are in the shipping pot.
Do persimmon trees grow fast?
These trees are relatively easy to maintain and without feeding, the growth rate of a persimmon tree is about 12-24” per year. They can reach 30-50 feet with a 30-foot spread, so planning where to plant your tree is important. Also, be ready for lots of fruit!
How much water do persimmon trees need?
To achieve optimal growth and quality fruit, regular watering is required. Water your persimmon tree for 10 minutes once or twice a week in the spring and summer. Persimmon trees will withstand short periods of drought. Your climate will dictate whether more or less watering is needed.
What kind of soil do persimmon trees like?
loamPersimmon trees can grow in a wide range of soils, but they do best in well-drained loam. They tolerate clay soils better than most other fruit trees. Persimmon trees are sensitive to boron and salts in the soil. They are drought tolerant but will produce larger fruit and a greater yield with regular irrigation.
Do persimmon trees grow fast?
These trees are relatively easy to maintain and without feeding, the growth rate of a persimmon tree is about 12-24” per year. They can reach 30-50 feet with a 30-foot spread, so planning where to plant your tree is important. Also, be ready for lots of fruit!
Can persimmon grow in New York?
In New York state, the American persimmon is only found in New York City and Long Island. It isn't common, but there are a few growing here and there at various secluded locations around Staten Island. The American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, grows to a height of 60 feet.
Can you grow persimmons in Florida?
There are two species species of persimmon that do well in Central and North Florida, and throughout the neighboring southeastern states: Asian persimmon, Diospyros kaki, and the native American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana.
Can persimmons grow in Georgia?
Many of the numerous species of persimmon can be grown in Georgia. Our native persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, is found from Florida north to Connecticut, west to Iowa and south to Texas. Oriental persimmons, Diospyros kaki, were introduced into the United States less than a hundred years ago.
Where do persimmons grow?
Today, China accounts for 75 percent of the world’s cultivated persimmons, while American persimmons are largely left to grow wild from New England west to Oklahoma and south Florida and Texas.
What is the pH of a persimmon tree?
Persimmon trees aren’t too picky about soil, but they’ll fruit most heavily in sandy, well-draining loam with a mildly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Just don’t plant them where the soil can remain waterlogged for an extended time. They also need six or more hours of daily sun.
How long does it take for a persimmon tree to produce fruit?
Female American persimmon trees growing in the wild need from seven to 10 years to produce fruit. Home gardeners who don’t want to wait that long can plant an already-started ‘Meader’ cultivar and have a harvest in just three to four years.
How cold can persimmons survive?
Oriental persimmons survive winter cold in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, depending on the cultivar. Minimum temperatures in those zones range from 0°to 35°F (-17.7 °to 1.6°C). Much more cold-tolerant American persimmons grow in USDA zones 4 through 9, with winter lows from -30° to 20°F (-34.4 to -6.7°C).
What are some non-astringent persimmons?
Widely available astringent persimmons include ‘Hayichi,’ ‘Honan Red,’ ‘Ormond’ and ‘Lindy’s Giant.’ For non-astringent fruit, look to ‘Fuyu,’ ‘Giant Hanafuyu,’ ‘Jiro’ and ‘Izu.’
Do persimmons ripen quickly?
Expert gardener’s tip: Astringent persimmons ripen most quickly when sealed in a plastic bag with ethylene-producing apples, bananas or tomatoes.
Where is persimmon grown?
Production in China accounted for 43% of this total with 2 million tonnes produced. The most commonly harvested persimmon here is the previously mentioned Japanese variety. Large tracts of persimmon production can be found along the Yellow river and covers approximately 254 square miles. Of this large production rate, between 70% and 80% is sold as fresh fruit. The remainder is processed.
How long does it take for a persimmon tree to grow?
On average, the persimmon tree grows to over 32 feet in height and takes between 5 and 6 years to produce fruit on a commercial level. Persimmon trees, particularly the Japanese variety, thrive in subtropical and even temperate climates. During winter, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10° fahrenheit. Persimmon crops require a well-drained soil and do not tolerate high levels of salt. In order to produce plump fruit, these orchards need between 3 and 4 feet of controlled irrigation water in addition to natural rainfall. At harvest time, the fruit is picked and placed in picking buckets to prevent bruising.
What Is Persimmon?
The persimmon is a tree-growing fruit that belongs to the Diospyros genus within the Ebenaceae family . Although persimmon is further divided into several species, the most common edible species is the Japanese variety. The smooth exterior of this fruit can be found in anywhere from a light yellowish orange to a dark reddish orange color. It grows to between .59 and 3.54 inches in diameter. Other edible varieties include: date-plum, American, black, velvet-apple, Indian, and Texas.
Is persimmon astringent or non-astringent?
Its flavor can be classified as either astringent (due to a high level of tannins) or non-astringent. The astringent variety can only be eaten when fully ripened, whereas the non-astringent can be eaten while the fruit is still firm. Persimmon was known by ancient Greeks as the “fruit of the gods”.
How do I grow a persimmon tree?
Persimmons tolerate a variety of soils, but like so many plants, they perform best in a deep, well-drained one. Plant your tree in full sun in a hole just big enough to spread out the roots. Roughen up the sides of the hole to encourage the roots to grow into the surrounding soil. (A smooth surface can keep roots circling round and round.) Backfill with unamended soil, tucking it up under the roots to avoid leaving any air pockets. Make sure the graft union is a few inches above soil level and that the soil is mounded, because considerable settling will occur when you water. I like to sprinkle a few handfuls of organic fertilizer on the soil around the trunk. Then spread a 4- to 6-inch-deep layer of mulch around the tree in an 18-inch radius, pulling the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to keep moisture from accumulating next to the bark. Water thoroughly.
What is the best climate for persimmons?
Asian persimmons are native to warm temperate and sub-tropical climates, but they can tolerate some cold weather and heavy soils, depending on the rootstock. ‘Fuyu’ and ‘Hachiya’ will thrive in Zone 7 and warmer. ‘Hachiya’ does especially well in California. ‘Tanenashi’ and ‘Eureka’ are astringents appropriate for Zone 8 and warmer. Some cultivars will produce fruit, although inconsistently, in colder climates. Among them are ‘Saijo’, an old astringent Japanese variety, and the non-astringents ‘Jiro’, ‘Yamagaki’, and ‘Ichi Ki Kei Jiro’, which are all hardy to Zone 6. Unless you live in California, choose a tree that’s been grafted onto the hardier American persimmon rootstock, Diospyros virginiana.
What is the best fruit to eat with a spoon?
'Hachiya' tastes best when it ripens on the tree. Its custardlike flesh can be eaten with a spoon. Two Asian persimmon trees dwell in our garden.
How much water do persimmons need?
For the biggest yields and best-quality fruit, persimmons need about 40 inches of water a year, although they can get by with less. Our 12-year-old ‘Fuyu’ is in a part of the garden that gets no water other than the 20 inches or so that fall during the winter, and it stays healthy and productive.
What do persimmons look like in autumn?
Each is well behaved, with lovely leaves, attractive bark, and alluring orange fruit. In late autumn, after the leaves have fallen, you can see the persimmons hanging from the branches like softly glowing ornaments set against the darkening skies. Two trees, one common ancestry, bearing two distinctly different fruits.
How long does it take for a persimmon tree to bear?
Persimmons take several years to bear, but be patient—they’ll be with you a long time. If you’re intrigued with the fruit but feel daunted by the relative scarcity of recipes, fear not. The trees make good landscape specimens. The canopy casts excellent shade for summer napping, the leaves have bright fall colors, and the bark is craggy and exotic .
What does the yellow leaves on a persimmon tree mean?
The bright yellow leaves have fallen and are lying under the tree. The leaves reflect the light from the winter sky, illuminating the undersides of the branches. The misty air glows faintly, and the fruit hanging in the bare tree turns golden. It’s as though a piece of the sun falls to earth to help the garden put on the last show of the year.
What type of soil do persimmon trees prefer?
Soil type - these trees prefer loamy soils but they will tolerate heavier clay soils better than most fruit trees, especially if the tree that you are planting is grafted onto a "D Lotus" rootstock. Just make sure there is adequate drainage, they will not tolerate soggy soils. Water Requirements - don't over-water your newly planted persimmon tree. The biggest cause of death for persimmon trees is too much water. Once established, persimmon trees are fairly drought tolerant but they'll bear more fruit with regular watering.
Are Persimmons Right for You?
Persimmons will need plenty of room, full sun and good drainage. They're hardy down to zone seven and have a low chill requirement. They bloom late enough to avoid most late spring frosts. They grow best in warm southern regions, in the Pacific northwest and into central and southern California.
What is a small persimmon?
Hachiyama – A small-sized persimmon that sweetens only when ripe and soft. Jiro – This plant has a drooping, languid appearance that makes it a popular ornamental. You can make tea from the leaves, and the fruit is squarish and sweet.
What is the best persimmon to eat?
Fuyu – This Japanese persimmon variety looks a lot like a tomato and is the kind most often found at your local supermarket. It’s sweet and has firm, crisp flesh, which makes it great for eating right off the tree. Hachiyama – A small-sized persimmon that sweetens only when ripe and soft.
How tall do American persimmons get?
American persimmons ( Diospyros virginiana) are bitter when unripe. The trees grow larger than Asian varieties, reaching 35-50 feet tall. They’re more cold hardy than Japanese types and grow in zones 4-11.
How long can you soak a persimmon tree?
Avoid waterlogging the soil around your tree, as well, which can also be deadly. Give trees 10 minutes of soaking once a week during warmer months.
What is the Greek name for persimmons?
Its name ( Diospyros spp.) is Greek for “fruit of the gods,” and that’s fitting given the luscious flavor. Since then, I knew I needed to be growing persimmons in my backyard. Lucky for me, the pretty plants are much more trouble-free than other fruits.
Why is my persimmon tree dormant?
If it’s too cold, your tree may have gone dormant for the winter. Too hot and your tree may be too stressed to produce fruit. Otherwise, your tree may be too young to bear fruit. Be patient. No blossoms: Blooming time varies depending on the variety of persimmon tree. It may also be too soon to expect flowers.
Is persimmon a fruit?
When I sliced into my first persimmon it became apparent that it was one of the simpler fruits to prep. There aren’t chunky seeds or inedible parts to get in the way. So I took a bite, and what stood out to me was how sweet it was.

Top Persimmon-Producing Countries
Persimmon Growing Requirements
- Oriental persimmons survive winter cold in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, depending on the cultivar. Minimum temperatures in those zones range from 0°to 35°F (-17.7 °to 1.6°C). Much more cold-tolerant American persimmons grow in USDA zones 4 through 9, with winter lows from -30° to 20°F (-34.4 to -6.7°C). Both va...
Widely Available Persimmons
- Only a small percentage of the more than 2 thousand Oriental persimmon cultivars are available to home gardeners. They include astringent varieties too bitter to eat until fully ripe and non-astringent ones edible pickedstraight off the tree. Widely available astringent persimmons include ‘Hayichi,’ ‘Honan Red,’ ‘Ormond’ and ‘Lindy’s Giant.’ For non-astringent fruit, look to ‘Fuyu,’ ‘Giant H…