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The Asian persimmon is a deciduous tree widely grown for its flavorful peach-sized fruits. Native to China, this long cultivated plant has been much improved by selection and breeding.
The beautiful small tree has large, glossy, elliptical green leaves that turn lovely shades of orange, yellow and red in fall. The flowers appear in spring. Persimmons are commonly dioecious, which means that some trees only have male flowers while others only have female flowers, though some cultivars like have both. This is vitally important for fruiting because only female-flowered trees produce fruit and male flowers are needed for pollination and fruit-set. The female flowers are small, waxy, ivory and have four petals. Their desirable fruit develops over the season and matures in fall after the leaves drop.
The Oriental persimmon grows and fruits best in full sun. With good drainage, it tolerates a wide range of soils. With training, it makes a handsome ornamental tree. Most modern cultivars are self-fertile, but pollination by another tree yields sweeter fruits in greater quantity. Oriental persimmons can be enjoyed in pudding, pies or dried. They are also highly ornamental and add a touch of flare to holiday fruit displays. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Diospyros
Species - Kaki
Common name - Date Plum Persimmon
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 6 - 10
Height - 25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m
Spread - 18'-22' / 5.5m - 6.7m
Plant type - Medium tree
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Edible, Feature Plant, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
Germination rate - 90%
Bloom season - Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Light Yellow
| Useful Info | |
| Germination | 1. Soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water. 2. Planting persimmon trees from seed takes a bit of time and patience. Germination of persimmon tree seeds requires a period of consistent cold temperature to bring them out of dormancy, which can be accomplished by using a technique called cold stratification. This is done by simply wrapping the seeds in moist paper towels and refrigerating them in a plastic bag or container for three to four months. 3. Starting your persimmons seeds indoors can be done in late winter or early spring. Be sure to use a deep container for these seeds, as persimmon seedlings develop a very long taproot. The taproot develops long before any growth shows above the soil line and, if your pot isn't deep enough, will push the seed right out of the soil. Place your seeds about two inches below the soil surface, using a well drained potting mixture. Persimmon seeds can take as much as six to eight weeks to germinate, and should be kept moist and warm, between 70 and 85 degrees, throughout the process. 4. Seedlings should be planted outdoors at the end of their first season of growth, as later transplantation can be damaging to the taproot, which can cause the young tree to wither away. Persimmon trees will grow best in a sunny location that is sheltered from heavy winds, and in soil that provides efficient drainage. Be sure to dig planting holes deep enough to accommodate the taproots comfortably, and tamp soil in around the roots gently, removing any air pockets. Water the seedlings after planting, then keep them moist, but not waterlogged throughout the active growth period. 5. Staking or caging your seedlings is recommended, providing support until their roots have grown enough to give your little trees a firm foothold in the garden. Keep the area around your young persimmon trees clear of weeds, eliminating competition for the nutrients needed to get them off to a healthy start. And, have patience, your persimmon trees will need several years of nurturing before they begin to produce their wonderful fruit. (source: ehow.com) |
