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When to plant Persimmon in Keyes, CA

Keyes's short 278-day growing season means one Persimmon planting between March 10 and March 24. No fall crop in Zone 9b.

When to Plant Persimmon in Keyes, CA

Stanislaus County, California Zone 9b July

Top priorities for Stanislaus County, California gardeners in July

Here's what deserves your attention in Stanislaus County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost February 24
Avg. first frost November 28
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Critical
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.4 hrs

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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.

Keyes, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 2,887 feet, Stanislaus County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Persimmon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Keyes, CA (Zone 9b) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 24
277 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Keyes Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Feb 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 2

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Keyes

How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5–7.7) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Stanislaus County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Persimmon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.2″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,287 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Persimmon

Persimmon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Persimmon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Stanislaus County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Persimmon Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Persimmon needs ~37,412 GDD — county provides 5,699 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Keyes, CA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 2-3 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

277 days in Stanislaus County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Keyes

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after February 24 in Stanislaus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 278.0-day growing season in Stanislaus County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Stanislaus County receives only 15" of rain annually. Persimmon needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Persimmon in Keyes, CA?

In Keyes, CA, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Keyes, CA for Persimmon?

Keyes sits in USDA Zone 9b. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Persimmon grow in Keyes's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Keyes's temperate climate. Keyes averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Stanislaus County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Stanislaus County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Stanislaus County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.