Blog

When to Plant Persimmon in Dawson County, NE

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.

Dawson County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 790 feet, Dawson County receives approximately 21.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Dawson County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Dawson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 7

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 635 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 2,302 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Dawson County, NE

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
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 5a

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Dawson 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 Dawson County, NE?

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

What planting zone is Dawson County, NE?

Dawson County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Dawson County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.