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Persimmons
Persimmons are attractive small trees that suit both large and small gardens. Even if you don’t like eating persimmon fruit, the trees are worth growing for their fabulous autumn colour. The leaves turn glorious shades of red, orange and gold before dropping in autumn, often leaving the fruit hanging decoratively on the bare branches.
Traditional persimmon varieties like “Dai Dai Maru” are classed as astringent, which means they can only be eaten when they’re ripe and very soft. Newer varieties like “Fuyu” are non-astringent. Non-astringent varieties can be eaten while the fruit is still firm.
Persimmons are best planted during the cooler months, which will give them as much time as possible to get established before next summer’s heat. The branches are brittle and break easily – especially when weighed down by the fruit – so choose an open, sunny spot that’s sheltered from strong winds.
If planting in an existing lawn, clear grass by spraying with Zero Glyphosate. This leaves no residues so, after the grass has died, it can be dug into the soil to add extra organic matter. Next incorporate some well-rotted compost, some Rainsaver Water Storing Crystals and a couple of handfuls of Dynamic Lifter pellets into the planting area.
Persimmon trees have a reputation for making very slow growth in the early stages but a monthly watering with Dynamic Lifter seaweed right through spring, summer and early autumn will encourage the roots to start growing well.
Persimmon plants often become available for sale with the other deciduous fruit trees in late autumn or early winter, so look out for new season’s stock in the coming months. Or, better still, buy potted plants while they’re in full autumn colour so you can be sure of getting a tree that will give you a good show every year.
Persimmon trees are relatively easy to care for. Keep a good layer of organic mulch over the root system; this will help retain moisture and prevent competitive weeds from growing around the base. Feed in early spring and again in mid summer with Thrive All Purpose plant food or Thrive citrus food. Pests are minimal – birds and bats eating the fruit cause most problems. Fortunately the fruit usually ripens too late to be affected by fruit fly, but it’s still important to clean up fallen fruit to reduce the chances of fruit fly attack. If necessary, spray with Lebaycid Fruit Fly & Insect Killer, following directions carefully.
Persimmons don’t need much pruning. Once the tree’s basic shape is established, it can usually be left alone.
Comments (9)
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This area is for general comments from the Yates Garden Club community. Questions posted here will not receive a reply from Yates. For specific gardening advice visit Ask an Expert
matthew
Yates site member
19:04, 15 November 2009
Hi, i plant a persimmon in july 09 and the tree establish very well in spring. i prepare the soil before with some sheep manure and fertilizer.one thing i'm concern that the young leavers are bit curley,is that a problem? is some thing i can do? thanks
matthew
Yates site member
19:08, 15 November 2009
Hi, i plant a persimmon in july 09 and the tree establish very well in spring. i prepare the soil before with some sheep manure and fertilizer.one thing i'm concern that the young leavers are bit curley,is that a problem? is some thing i can do? thanks
joseph
Yates site member
11:54, 29 December 2009
hi I plant a persimmon this year, and geting dry around the edge of the leaf;s they then dry and fall,, the young branch then die, could you help .. Joseph s
Carole
Yates site member
13:47, 09 April 2010
I will be renting a house for the next 12 to 24 months so won't be able to plant directly into the ground. Would it be possible to plant the persimon in a large pot (say 1/2 barrel) and transplant it in 12-24 months time when I move back to my own home?
Clive
Yates site member
16:22, 17 April 2010
I have purchased a house with an old persimmon tree (10~15 years old) which has some browning on the edges of the leaves. What can I do to bring the tree back to health? Is it too old to fruit?
Peter
Yates site member
10:47, 15 July 2010
I live in an apartment block with a large north- west facing courtyard, I am keen to grow persimmons, fig, mango, mandarin & paw-paw. How successful will it be if they are grown in containers.
lyndall
Yates site member
23:40, 31 March 2011
Are the roots of a persimmon tree invasive? Is it a good shade tree, badly needed, in my bare backyard? Will the tree provide the changing colours in this hot climate? Thanks.
Vicki
Yates site member
09:00, 07 May 2011
Has anyone grown a single tree ? Are they self fertile ? Do I need to buy a second one ? Cheers
mercedes
Yates site member
23:55, 09 May 2011
hello.does anyone know if you can grow a tree from seed?:)
Olga
Yates site member
18:06, 30 December 2011
Yes, you can. I have grown one from a seed out of a persimmon, bought in a supermarket. I have sown a handful of seeds in a pot, only one seedling has come out and now it's 2 year old. I have added some root developer into the pot, it's quite leafy, but still tiny, around 15 cm high. Not sure what kind is it and whether it could self fertilise.
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