When to plant Persimmon in Middletown, DE
Plant Persimmon in Middletown, between April 27 and May 11 — the only viable window. Zone 7b's short season (208 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Persimmon in Middletown, DE
June in New Castle County, Delaware — your action list
June is a pivotal month for New Castle County, Delaware 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.
Middletown, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 415 feet, New Castle County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.
Middletown Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Persimmon 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 Middletown
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–7.1) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in New Castle 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
Persimmon Water Budget
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in New Castle 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 — Middletown, DE
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
208 days in New Castle County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Middletown
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 06 in New Castle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 208.0-day growing season in New Castle 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 →
Persimmon in Other Locations
When should I plant Persimmon in Middletown, DE?
In Middletown, DE, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Middletown, DE for Persimmon?
Middletown sits in USDA Zone 7b. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Persimmon grow in Middletown's climate?
Yes — Persimmon grows well in Middletown's temperate climate. Middletown averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 31.
Your New Castle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for New Castle County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.