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When to Plant Persimmon in Deer Lodge County, MT

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.

Deer Lodge County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.

At an elevation of 6,928 feet, Deer Lodge County receives approximately 16.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Persimmon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Deer Lodge County, MT (Zone 4a) Very short season
84 days
Last Spring Frost June 15
84 growing days
First Fall Frost September 7

Deer Lodge County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jul 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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 144 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Persimmon needs ~19,619 GDD — county provides 903 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Deer Lodge County, MT

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Jul 27

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Transplant Outdoors
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 4a

Growing Season

84 days

Growing Tips for Deer Lodge 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 Deer Lodge County, MT?

Deer Lodge County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 15. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Deer Lodge County, MT?

Deer Lodge County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 15 and first fall frost is September 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Deer Lodge County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Deer Lodge County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.