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When to Plant Persimmon in Macon 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.

Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 974 feet, Macon County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.

Macon County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Macon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21

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 Macon County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4โ€“6.9) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 234 gal / 100 sq ft
Persimmon needs ~22,356 GDD — county provides 2,241 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Macon County, MO

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22

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: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

183 days in Macon County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Macon County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 17 in Macon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 183.0-day growing season in Macon 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 Macon County, MO?

Macon County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Macon County, MO?

Macon County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Macon 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 Macon County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.