When to Plant Persimmon in Contra Costa County, CA
Your May game plan for Contra Costa County, California
May is a pivotal month for Contra Costa County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Contra Costa County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 88 feet, Contra Costa County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Persimmon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Contra Costa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Contra Costa County
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Contra Costa County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.
How to Plant Persimmon
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Contra Costa 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 Planting Timeline — Contra Costa County, CA
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
276 days in Contra Costa County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Contra Costa County
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after February 26 in Contra Costa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 277.0-day growing season in Contra Costa County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Contra Costa County receives only 19" of rain annually. Persimmon needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 →
Persimmon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Persimmon in Contra Costa County, CA?
Contra Costa County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Contra Costa County, CA?
Contra Costa County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.
Your Contra Costa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Contra Costa County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.