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When to plant Persimmon in Clarke County, IA

In Clarke County, Persimmon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 15–May 29 for an 1095–2555-day harvest, finishing well before the October 11 first frost.

When to Plant Persimmon in Clarke County, IA

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.

Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.

At an elevation of 1,182 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Clarke County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
170 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
170 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Clarke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Clarke County, IA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29

· 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

170 days in Clarke County

Growing Tips for Clarke County

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 Clarke County, IA?

Clarke County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clarke County, IA?

Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.

When should I plant Persimmon in Clarke County, IA?

In Clarke County, IA, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clarke County, IA for Persimmon?

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

Can Persimmon grow in Clarke County's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Clarke County's temperate climate. Clarke County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.

🌱

Your Clarke County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clarke County (Zone 5b). 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 Clarke County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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