Blog

When to plant Persimmon in Bremer County, IA

Plant Persimmon in Bremer County, between May 21 and June 4 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (160 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Persimmon in Bremer County, IA

Bremer County, Iowa Zone 5a June

June in Bremer County, Iowa — your action list

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bremer County, Iowa.

Avg. last frost April 30
Avg. first frost October 7
Soil temp (4") 65°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.1 hrs

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Bremer County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 913 feet, Bremer County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.

Bremer County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Bremer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 5

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 Bremer County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.1–6.8) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Bremer 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 (4.2%) — Persimmon will thrive.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Persimmon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 719 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bremer 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 ~22,356 GDD — county provides 1,960 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Bremer County, IA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 – Jun 4

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
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: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

160 days in Bremer County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Bremer County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 30 in Bremer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 160.0-day growing season in Bremer 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Persimmon in Bremer County, IA?

Bremer County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bremer County, IA?

Bremer County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Persimmon in Bremer County, IA?

In Bremer County, IA, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bremer County, IA for Persimmon?

Bremer County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Persimmon grow in Bremer County's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Bremer County's temperate climate. Bremer County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Bremer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bremer County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bremer County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.