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When to Plant Persimmon in Wapello 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.

Wapello County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 670 feet, Wapello County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Wapello County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Wapello County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 355 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Persimmon needs ~27,831 GDD — county provides 2,684 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Wapello County, IA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 โ€“ May 26

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

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 5b

Growing Season

176 days

Growing Tips for Wapello 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 Wapello County, IA?

Wapello County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wapello County, IA?

Wapello County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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