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When to Plant Persimmon in Poweshiek County, IA

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.

Poweshiek County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Poweshiek County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Poweshiek County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Poweshiek County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 5

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 73 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Persimmon needs ~26,462 GDD — county provides 2,291 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Poweshiek County, IA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jun 6

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5a

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Poweshiek County

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 Poweshiek County, IA?

Poweshiek County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Poweshiek County, IA?

Poweshiek County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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