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When to Plant Persimmon in Madera County, CA

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.

Madera County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 187 feet, Madera County receives approximately 14.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 104ยฐF, so Persimmon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Persimmon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Madera County, CA (Zone 9a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
205 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Madera County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 1

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 Madera County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2โ€“7.8) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Madera County is excellent for Persimmon โ€” 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

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,539 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Persimmon needs ~51,100 GDD — county provides 5,740 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Madera County, CA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
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: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

205 days in Madera County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Madera County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 18 in Madera County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With summer highs reaching 104ยฐF in Madera County, provide afternoon shade for Persimmon and water deeply in the morning.

Your 205.0-day growing season in Madera County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Madera County receives only 14" 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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Madera County, CA?

Madera County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madera County, CA?

Madera County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is November 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madera County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Madera County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.