American Persimmon Tree

The American Persimmon Tree features exquisite orange fruit that measures up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. These trees are native to America, ranging from Connecticut to Florida and as far west as Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana where they grow wild and usually reach 30-80 feet in height. American Persimmon Trees have been cultivated for their fruit and wood since prehistoric times by Native Americans. Pollinators are attracted to their lush white flowers that give off a fragrant scent. Persimmons are best harvested when they are fully ripe, often enjoyed fresh or used in a wide range of culinary delights like puddings, pies, and jams or dried like prunes and baked in bread. The American Persimmon is a very valuable source of antioxidants and fiber. Plant Persimmon Trees to create your own mini orchard, providing a bountiful harvest of sweet persimmons.

Also Known As: Common Persimmon, Eastern Persimmon, Sugar Plum, Possumwood, Date Plum,  Virginia Date, Simmon Tree, Wild Persimmon, Persimmon Plum.

Plant Name:	Tree, Common Persimmon
Latin Name:	Diospyros virginiana
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	10 - 15 Years
Plant Height:	30 - 80 Feet
Spread:	20 - 35 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	4-10
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 35 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F for 60-90 days, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 20-35 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	20-35 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	35 feet

Care During the Season:

American Persimmon trees are hardy, low-maintenance plants that can produce fruit for many years with care. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Young trees need consistent watering, especially in dry periods, but mature trees are more drought-tolerant. At least one male tree is needed for pollination if fruit production is desired. Fertilize the young trees with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year to encourage healthy growth, but avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth instead of fruit. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. As the trees grow, prune any damaged or competing stems to shape the tree and ensure a strong structure.

Harvesting:

American Persimmons reach peak ripeness in late fall, typically from September to November, and are ready to harvest when soft, slightly wrinkled, and deep orange or red in color, often falling from the tree naturally. Harvest after the first frost, which helps soften the fruit and reduce its natural astringency. You can either collect fallen fruit or gently shake the branches to encourage ripe persimmons to drop. If picking directly from the tree, be careful not to bruise the delicate fruit.