Persimmon Planting Guide
Persimmons are ornamental trees producing sweet, honey-flavored fruits in fall. American persimmons are astringent until fully ripe while Asian types can be eaten firm.
Diospyros virginiana · Fruit · Ebenaceae family · 1095–2555 days to maturity
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Where Can You Grow Persimmon?
Persimmon Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Persimmon planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | — | — | Jun 3 | — |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 29 | — |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 16 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 9 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | — | May 1 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | — |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | — |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Persimmon is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Persimmon benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Persimmon
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Ebenaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Ebenaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Persimmon to Grow
Persimmon takes 1095–2555 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Persimmon
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Persimmon
Choose self-fertile varieties or plant male and female trees. American types must be fully soft-ripe before eating. Asian varieties may be eaten when firm. Minimal pruning needed.
Saving Persimmon Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Level Up Your Garden
Persimmon by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Persimmon?
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) takes 1095 to 2555 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Persimmon grow in?
Persimmon can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Persimmon need?
Growing Persimmon requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.