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When to Plant Persimmon in Howell County, MO

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.

Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 696 feet, Howell County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Howell County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Howell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 488 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 3,034 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Howell County, MO

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
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 6b

Growing Season

199 days

Growing Tips for Howell 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 Howell County, MO?

Howell County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Howell County, MO?

Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Howell County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Howell County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.