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When to Plant Persimmon in Eaton County, MI

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.

Eaton County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 1,176 feet, Eaton County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.

Eaton County, MI (Zone 5b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Eaton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

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€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.7" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Eaton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Eaton County, MI

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

165 days in Eaton County

Growing Tips for Eaton 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Eaton County, MI?

Eaton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Eaton County, MI?

Eaton County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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