Blog

When to Plant Persimmon in Apache County, AZ

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.

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Persimmon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Persimmon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Apache County, AZ (Zone 5b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Apache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 29

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
1.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,564 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Persimmon needs ~34,675 GDD — county provides 2,717 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Apache County, AZ

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jun 24

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

143 days

Growing Tips for Apache County

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Apache County, AZ?

Apache County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Apache County, AZ?

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Apache County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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