Persimmon Trees

Persimmon Trees including the popular Fuyu persimmon (a non-astringent variety) trees are used as both ornamental trees as well as for the fruit.

With great autumn color persimmons make a nice small to medium feature tree. Persimmon fruit is used widely in cooking. 'Nightingale' and the 'Dai Dai Maru' are astringent persimmons and on this type the fruit needs to be really ripe before it is edible. Jiro Dwarf And Fuyu Dwarf are two of the best dwarf varieties well suited for growing in pots or containers. If you are looking for lots of large fruit perhaps try Nightingale.

Growing conditions, care and pruning

A slow growing deciduous tree that can reach 5 - 7m depending on conditions Persimmons grow well in a sunny position in a well drained humus rich soil with shelter from strong winds, if you are growing them for ornamental trees try givong them a little space, they grow natuarallu to a nice shape and are best shown off this way. Rememeber that good drainage is essential. They actually require little to no pruning other than removal of dead and damaged wood, however some tip pruning to encourage a branching habit can make them look great.

Many people grow them in a lawn as an ornamental, like most fruit trees they are best planted when dormant. Dig in some well rotted compost and aged manure 3 -4 weeks before planting and water in with a liquid seaweed fertilizer. Mulch in spring after fertilizing with a general purpose fertilizer.