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When to Plant Persimmon in Sully 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.

Sully County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 650 feet, Sully County receives approximately 26.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.

Sully County, SD (Zone 4a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Sully County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 18

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 346 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Persimmon needs ~20,988 GDD — county provides 1,667 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Sully County, SD

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

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 4a

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Sully 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 Sully County, SD?

Sully County is in Zone 4a 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 Sully County, SD?

Sully County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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