When to Plant Persimmon in Jefferson County, CO
May to-do list for Jefferson County, Colorado
Welcome to May in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Looking ahead to June
- Transplants going out: persimmon
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.
Jefferson County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 5,376 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 22.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, CO
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 18 |
· 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Jefferson County
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after May 14 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 135.0-day growing season in Jefferson County is tight for Persimmon (1095.0-2555.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Jefferson County receives only 23" 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 Jefferson County, CO?
Jefferson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, CO?
Jefferson County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.