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When to Plant Persimmon in Montrose County, CO

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.

Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.

At an elevation of 6,494 feet, Montrose County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, 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.

Montrose County, CO (Zone 6a) Very short season
91 days
Last Spring Frost June 13
91 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Montrose County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 17

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 Montrose County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.9) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Montrose County is excellent for Persimmon โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 147 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 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€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in Montrose 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 ~27,831 GDD — county provides 1,387 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Montrose County, CO

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Jul 18

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Transplant Outdoors
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 Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

91 days in Montrose County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Montrose County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after June 13 in Montrose County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 91.0-day growing season in Montrose County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Montrose County receives only 18" 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 Montrose County, CO?

Montrose County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montrose County, CO?

Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Montrose County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Montrose County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.