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When to plant Persimmon in Cale, AR

In Cale, Persimmon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 13–April 27 for an 1095–2555-day harvest, finishing well before the November 4 first frost.

When to Plant Persimmon in Cale, AR

Nevada County, Arkansas Zone 8a June

June in the garden — Nevada County, Arkansas

Welcome to June in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 23
Avg. first frost November 4
Soil temp (4") 78°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.2 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.

Cale, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.

At an elevation of 1,493 feet, Nevada County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Persimmon root diseases.

Cale, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
226 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
226 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Cale Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 5

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 Cale

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nevada 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 4,124 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Cale, AR

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

226 days in Nevada County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Cale

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after March 23 in Nevada County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 226.0-day growing season in Nevada 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 →

When should I plant Persimmon in Cale, AR?

In Cale, AR, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cale, AR for Persimmon?

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

Can Persimmon grow in Cale's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Cale's temperate climate. Cale averages a 226-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Nevada County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nevada County (Zone 8a). 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 Nevada County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.