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When to plant Persimmon in Lee County County,

In Lee County County, Persimmon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 17–May 1 for an 2555-day harvest, finishing well before the November 3 first frost.

When to Plant Persimmon in Lee County, AL

Lee County, Alabama Zone 8b June

June in the garden — Lee County, Alabama

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lee County, Alabama.

Avg. last frost March 27
Avg. first frost November 3
Soil temp (4") 77°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.1 hrs

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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.

Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 221 days.

At an elevation of 461 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Persimmon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Persimmon root diseases.

Lee County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
221 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
221 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 8

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.

Soil Compatibility in Lee County

How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Lee County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Persimmon.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Persimmon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Persimmon

Persimmon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Persimmon Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Persimmon Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Persimmon needs ~33,306 GDD — county provides 4,033 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Lee County, AL

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

221 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Lee County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after March 27 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Lee County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Persimmon. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your 221.0-day growing season in Lee County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Lee County, AL?

Lee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, AL?

Lee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Persimmon in Lee County, ?

In Lee County, , plant Persimmon after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, for Persimmon?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Persimmon grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 221-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Lee County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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