When to Plant Persimmon in San Benito 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.
San Benito County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.
At an elevation of 149 feet, San Benito County receives approximately 13 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.
San Benito County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 San Benito County
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Benito County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.
How to Plant Persimmon
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 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" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in San Benito 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 Planting Timeline — San Benito County, CA
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
281 days in San Benito County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in San Benito County
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after February 21 in San Benito County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 282.0-day growing season in San Benito County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
San Benito County receives only 13" 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 →
Persimmon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Persimmon in San Benito County, CA?
San Benito County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Benito County, CA?
San Benito County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is November 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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