When to Plant Persimmon in Hand County, SD
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.
Hand County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 795 feet, Hand County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.
Hand County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Persimmon Planting Timeline — Hand County, SD
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
145 days
Growing Tips for Hand 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
Persimmon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Persimmon in Hand County, SD?
Hand County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hand County, SD?
Hand County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hand County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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