When to plant Persimmon in Dowell,
Dowell's short 194-day growing season means one Persimmon planting between May 1 and May 15. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Persimmon in Dowell, IL
Your June game plan for Dowell, IL
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Dowell, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,046 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.
Dowell Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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 Dowell
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.1) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Persimmon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Persimmon will thrive.
How to Plant Persimmon
Persimmon Water Budget
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jackson 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 — Dowell, IL
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Dowell
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 10 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 194.0-day growing season in Jackson 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 Dowell, ?
In Dowell, , plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dowell, for Persimmon?
Dowell sits in USDA Zone 7a. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Persimmon grow in Dowell's climate?
Yes — Persimmon grows well in Dowell's temperate climate. Dowell averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.