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When to plant Persimmon in Unity, IL

In Unity, Persimmon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 1–May 15 for an 1095–2555-day harvest, finishing well before the October 21 first frost.

When to Plant Persimmon in Unity, IL

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.

Unity, 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 1,260 feet, Alexander County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Unity, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Unity Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Alexander County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Unity, 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

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Alexander County

Growing Tips for Unity

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 Unity, IL?

In Unity, IL, 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 Unity, IL for Persimmon?

Unity sits in USDA Zone 7a. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Persimmon grow in Unity's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Unity's temperate climate. Unity averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Alexander County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Alexander 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.

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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 Alexander County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.