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When to Plant Persimmon in Vermillion County, IN

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.

Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 719 feet, Vermillion County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Vermillion County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Vermillion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 24

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 Vermillion County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.9โ€“7.1) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Persimmon.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) โ€” Persimmon will thrive.

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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 724 gal / 100 sq ft

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€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Vermillion 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 ~33,306 GDD — county provides 3,376 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Vermillion County, IN

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19

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 1-2 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 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

185 days in Vermillion County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Vermillion County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 14 in Vermillion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 185.0-day growing season in Vermillion County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

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 Vermillion County, IN?

Vermillion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Vermillion County, IN?

Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Vermillion 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 Vermillion County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.