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When to Plant Persimmon in Mohave 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.

Mohave County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.

At an elevation of 3,748 feet, Mohave County receives approximately 8.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Persimmon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Mohave County, AZ (Zone 8b) Long season
217 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
217 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Mohave County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8

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 Mohave County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (7.2โ€“8.4) is more alkaline than Persimmon prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Mohave County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Persimmon will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Persimmon.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.2″/week
You supply
1.4″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,645 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” 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 โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 0.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1" 3.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Nov in Mohave County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 ~40,150 GDD — county provides 4,774 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Mohave County, AZ

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 26 Apr 26 โ€“ May 10

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

217 days in Mohave County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Mohave County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 05 in Mohave County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Mohave County dries quickly โ€” mulch Persimmon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 96ยฐF in Mohave County, provide afternoon shade for Persimmon and water deeply in the morning.

Your 217.0-day growing season in Mohave County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Mohave County receives only 8" of rain annually. Persimmon needs consistent moisture โ€” 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Mohave County, AZ?

Mohave County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mohave County, AZ?

Mohave County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is November 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Mohave County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Mohave County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.