Persimmon Trees In California

Persimmon trees in california

Origins. The persimmon was brought to California in the mid 1800's, originating in China where there are over two thousand different varieties. Here in California, there are two main varieties that you'll find around your town. The first one is the Hachiya.

Do you need 2 persimmon trees to get fruit?

American persimmons are not usually self-pollinating, but some named varieties are. If you choose a native seedling however, you will need a second tree to get a good harvest. Also, Japanese and American persimmons will not cross pollinate.

How long does it take for a persimmon tree to bear fruit?

Persimmons do not need to go through a frost to be palatable, but they do need plenty of time to finish ripening after they have been picked. Persimmons may take seven years to start bearing, and then produce for decades.

Where do persimmons grow in California?

Persimmon, Diospyros kaki L., is native to China and was first brought to the US in the mid 1850's (Ryugo et al., 1988). Most domestic commercial production of persimmons is centered in California, principally in Fresno, Tulare and San Diego counties.

How messy are persimmon trees?

Introduction: Common persimmon has distinctive thick, dark gray to black bark that is broken into scaly, square blocks. Because of its messy fruit, it is not among the better choices for the home landscape, but is an interesting native tree that is suited for use in parks, golf courses and naturalized areas.

Where is the best place to plant a persimmon tree?

When picking a location for your tree, try to find a well-drained area with sandy loam soil. This is the best for persimmons, but as long as there is good drainage your tree should thrive. Place your tree in full sun for the best growth and production rate.

What month do you plant persimmon trees?

The best time of year to plant persimmon trees is in early spring after all danger from frost is gone. Additionally, you can also plant in the fall if growing conditions are right. You want to give the fruit tree enough time to establish roots before winter comes around.

How do you tell if you have a male or female persimmon tree?

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.

Does persimmon tree need a lot of water?

To achieve optimal growth and quality fruit, regular watering is required. Water your persimmon tree for 10 minutes once or twice a week in the spring and summer. Persimmon trees will withstand short periods of drought.

How tall is a 5 year old persimmon tree?

A good goal would be to have a tree that, by age 5, is standing 10 to 15′ and carrying 100 persimmons; this will feed some wildlife.

How many persimmon trees do you need to produce fruit?

Virtually all varieties of the Japanese persimmon, Diospiros kaki, are self-fruitful, and only one tree will be needed to produce fruit.

Do persimmon trees grow fast?

How fast do American persimmon trees grow? American persimmon trees grow at a rate of approximately two feet per year. To achieve this rate of growth, the tree should be planted in favorable conditions. Trees grown in colder hardiness zones will likely experience slower growth rates.

Can you eat persimmons right off the tree?

Use them in sweet and savory dishes, or just enjoy them raw. Hachiyas, also known as bitter or astringent persimmons, should not be eaten until fully ripe. Before they've reached peak ripeness, Hachiyas will have a virtually inedible, chalky taste.

Are persimmons hard to grow?

The right persimmon growing conditions are not hard to find. These trees are not particularly picky about soil but do best with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If you are interested in growing persimmons, choose a sunny spot that drains well. Since persimmons have very deep taproots, be sure to dig a deep hole.

Do persimmons attract bugs?

Persimmons are generally disease- and pest-free. Their primary insect pests are mealybug and scale, which produce honeydew that attracts ants. Ants may also be attracted up into trees by floral nectar, ripening or rotten sweet fruit.

Do persimmons have invasive roots?

Persimmon do not have invasive roots and should do ok .

Do persimmon trees lose their leaves in winter?

During the cold fall and winter months, the trees put on a spectacular performance of autumn colors before losing all of their leaves and are left with just the fruit hanging off the tree. Growing a persimmon tree is not particularly difficult.

Is persimmon wood good for anything?

Persimmon wood uses include golf clubs, drum sticks, musical instruments, tool handles, turnery, flooring, furniture, and veneers.

Do persimmons grow in pots?

Persimmon trees may also be grown in containers and stored in an unheated basement or garage for the winter if they are not cold-hardy to your zone. If grown in pots, these trees should be repotted every second or third year with fresh soil. Potted trees should be planted at the same depth they are in the shipping pot.

How tall do persimmon trees get?

The Persimmon tree, scientific name Diospyros virginiana for the American Persimmon, means "fruit of the gods" and is a reference to its sweet golden-orange fruit. The tree grows from 30 to 70 feet in height. It has drooping branches and leaves and a tropical look. Many are grown specifically for its fruit.