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When to Plant Persimmon in Garden 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.

Garden County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 966 feet, Garden County receives approximately 25.2 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.

Garden County, NE (Zone 4b) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Garden County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 17

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 Garden County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6โ€“7.8) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 429 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Persimmon

Persimmon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Persimmon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.3" 2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2" 2.3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov โ€” 1.8" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Garden County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Persimmon Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Persimmon needs ~19,619 GDD — county provides 1,569 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Garden County, NE

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 8 Jun 8 โ€“ Jun 22

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
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 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

146 days in Garden County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Garden County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after May 11 in Garden County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 146.0-day growing season in Garden 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Garden County, NE?

Garden County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Garden County, NE?

Garden County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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