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When to Plant Persimmon in McPherson 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.

McPherson County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 884 feet, McPherson County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.

McPherson County, NE (Zone 4b) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost May 3
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

McPherson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 15

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
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,234 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Persimmon needs ~23,725 GDD — county provides 2,067 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” McPherson County, NE

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14

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 4b

Growing Season

159 days

Growing Tips for McPherson 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 McPherson County, NE?

McPherson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McPherson County, NE?

McPherson County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 9.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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