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When to Plant Persimmon in Kearney 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.

Kearney County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,041 feet, Kearney County receives approximately 25.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.

Kearney County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Kearney County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 13
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 4

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 603 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Persimmon needs ~22,356 GDD — county provides 2,009 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Kearney County, NE

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3

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

164 days

Growing Tips for Kearney 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 Kearney County, NE?

Kearney County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kearney County, NE?

Kearney County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kearney County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Kearney County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.