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When to Plant Persimmon in Camas County, ID

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.

Camas County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.

At an elevation of 5,406 feet, Camas County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87Β°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Camas County, ID (Zone 5a) Moderate season
153 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
153 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Camas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 22

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 Camas County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 674 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 β€” 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 β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar β€” 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr β€” 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov β€” 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec β€” 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Camas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” 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" β€” every day above 50Β°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 needs ~27,831 GDD — county provides 2,333 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline β€” Camas County, ID

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

1"/week Β· 1-2 times/week

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: acceptable

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

πŸ“† Growing Season

153 days in Camas County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Camas County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after May 03 in Camas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 153.0-day growing season in Camas County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

Camas County receives only 21" of rain annually. Persimmon needs consistent moisture β€” 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 Camas County, ID?

Camas County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Camas County, ID?

Camas County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 3.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Camas County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Camas County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.