The American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) tree has grown for thousands of years in the wild from as far north as Connecticut and south down into Florida . They grow naturally as far west as Nebraska. The tree is very adaptable and can be grown in the US Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 5 to 11.
How far north can you grow persimmons?
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 .
What zones do persimmon trees grow?
American persimmons make great shade trees and have beautiful fall color. They are also very cold tolerant and perform well in Zones 5-9 . While American persimmon trees grow to be large shade trees, the Japanese persimmon is smaller and is often grown as a specimen tree.
Where do persimmons grow in the US?
American persimmons are a native tree that can be found growing wild in all 100 counties in North Carolina . It’s native to the East Coast, from Florida to New York, and westward to Kansas and Texas.
How cold hardy are persimmon?
Frost tolerant
Oriental persimmons tolerate cold to 10°F (-12°C) . American persimmons tolerate much colder conditions, often surviving to -25F (-32C).
Where is the best place to plant a persimmon tree?
- Location and Spacing. Ideal location should receive full sun, although partial shade may be tolerated. ...
- Planting. Persimmons have a strong taproot. ...
- Potting Your Persimmon Tree.
Do you need 2 persimmon trees to produce fruit?
A: Persimmon trees provide the home garden with vivid color in the fall and tasty fruit in the winter. Varieties of the American persimmon, Diospyros virginiana, typically require two trees to produce . If you only have space for one tree there are several alternatives you can consider.
How many hours of sun does a persimmon tree need?
Persimmon trees need to be planted where they receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight measured in early summer (late June to early August).
Do persimmons need a lot of water?
For best growth and production, persimmons should receive at least one inch of water a week . During dry spells, water is mandatory. If not properly watered during dry spells, fruit may drop prematurely. Keep at least 4 feet around the persimmon clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
How can you tell if a persimmon tree is male or female?
You can tell male trees from female trees because male flowers are smaller and appear in small clusters, while the larger female flower appears alone. Inside the female flower you will find the pistil but also sterile stamens, noticeably smaller than stamens in the male flower.
Do persimmon trees produce every year?
Oriental persimmons bloom after five years but do not bear fruit until after seven years. ... Both American and Oriental persimmons have alternate year blooming and fruiting . This means that you will get a large crop of small fruit one year and in the successive year, a small crop of larger fruit.
Can persimmons be poisonous?
A. There is nothing poisonous about a persimmon (Diospyros kaki), a fruit that originated in China. ... That unpleasant feeling in the mouth occurs only when eating under-ripe persimmons. Even a slightly underripe one can be mouth puckering, since the fruit contains a good amount of tannins.
How long does it take for an American persimmon to bear fruit?
Persimmons begin bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting ; some grafted trees will bear fruit the year after planting. Most persimmons are not edible until they are soft.
Can persimmons survive a freeze?
AMERICAN PERSIMMON
Cold hardy to -25 degrees F . Fragrant flowers are produced in summer.
What is the benefits of persimmon fruit?
Persimmons are a good source of vitamins A and C as well as manganese , which helps the blood to clot. They also have other antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of many serious health conditions including cancer and stroke.
What can I plant next to persimmons?
- Flowering herbs like mint, chives, borage, and comfrey.
- Flowering plants that might attract pollinators, like marigold, or calendula.
- Strawberries.
