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When to Plant Persimmon in Newaygo 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.

Newaygo County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 592 feet, Newaygo County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Newaygo County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 16
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Newaygo 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 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 19

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 215 gal / 100 sq ft
Persimmon needs ~27,831 GDD — county provides 2,165 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Newaygo County, MI

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Jun 20

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
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 5b

Growing Season

142 days

Growing Tips for Newaygo 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 Newaygo County, MI?

Newaygo County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newaygo County, MI?

Newaygo County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is October 5.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Newaygo County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Newaygo County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.