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When to Plant Persimmon in Thurston 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.

Thurston County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 584 feet, Thurston County receives approximately 31.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Thurston County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Thurston County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 19
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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 349 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 2,516 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Thurston County, NE

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2

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

165 days

Growing Tips for Thurston 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 Thurston County, NE?

Thurston County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Thurston County, NE?

Thurston County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 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 Thurston 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 Thurston County, NE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.