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When to Plant Persimmon in Johnson 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.

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.

At an elevation of 1,218 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Johnson County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
193 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
193 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16

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.

Soil Compatibility in Johnson County

How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3โ€“6.5) is more acidic than Persimmon prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Persimmon โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 185 gal / 100 sq ft
Persimmon needs ~26,462 GDD — county provides 2,798 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Johnson County, MO

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

193 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Johnson County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 13 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 193.0-day growing season in Johnson County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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 Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, MO?

Johnson County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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