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When to plant Persimmon in Oscoda County, MI

Oscoda County's short 133-day growing season means one Persimmon planting between June 10 and June 24. No fall crop in Zone 5a.

When to Plant Persimmon in Oscoda County, MI

Oscoda County, Michigan Zone 5a June

Top priorities for Oscoda County, Michigan gardeners in June

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

Avg. last frost May 20
Avg. first frost September 30
Soil temp (4") 64°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15.4 hrs
  1. Move persimmon from tray to bed

    Frost risk is low now in Oscoda County, Michigan. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.

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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.

Oscoda County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.

At an elevation of 765 feet, Oscoda County receives approximately 41 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.

Oscoda County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
133 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
133 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Oscoda County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Persimmon Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 23

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 Oscoda County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Persimmon will thrive.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Persimmon Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 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 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oscoda 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 1,629 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Oscoda County, MI

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 – Jun 24

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

133 days in Oscoda County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Oscoda County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after May 20 in Oscoda County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 133.0-day growing season in Oscoda 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 Oscoda County, MI?

Oscoda County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Oscoda County, MI?

Oscoda County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 30.

When should I plant Persimmon in Oscoda County, MI?

In Oscoda County, MI, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Oscoda County, MI for Persimmon?

Oscoda 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 Oscoda County's climate?

Yes — Persimmon grows well in Oscoda County's temperate climate. Oscoda County averages a 133-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 30.

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Your Oscoda County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Oscoda 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.

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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 Oscoda County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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