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When to plant Persimmon in Rolling Meadows, IL

Rolling Meadows's short 177-day growing season means one Persimmon planting between May 14 and May 28. No fall crop in Zone 6a.

When to Plant Persimmon in Rolling Meadows, IL

Cook County, Illinois Zone 6a June

Your June planting checklist for Cook County, Illinois

Your Cook County, Illinois garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 23
Avg. first frost October 17
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15 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.

Rolling Meadows, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 728 feet, Cook County receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Rolling Meadows, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Rolling Meadows Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31

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 Rolling Meadows

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Persimmon will thrive.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Persimmon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 260 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cook 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 ~25,094 GDD — county provides 2,433 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Rolling Meadows, IL

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 – May 28

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Cook County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Rolling Meadows

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

Your 177.0-day growing season in Cook 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 Rolling Meadows, IL?

In Rolling Meadows, IL, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rolling Meadows, IL for Persimmon?

Rolling Meadows sits in USDA Zone 6a. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Persimmon grow in Rolling Meadows's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Rolling Meadows's temperate climate. Rolling Meadows averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Cook County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cook 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.

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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 Cook County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.