When to plant Persimmon in Ishpeming, MI
Plant Persimmon in Ishpeming, between May 31 and June 14 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (163 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Persimmon in Ishpeming, MI
July in the garden — Marquette County, Michigan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Marquette County, Michigan this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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.
Ishpeming, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 564 feet, Marquette County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Persimmon to ensure they mature before fall.
Ishpeming Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Persimmon Planting Risk Windows
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 Ishpeming
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.8) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Marquette County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Persimmon will thrive.
How to Plant Persimmon
Persimmon Water Budget
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Marquette 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 Planting Timeline — Ishpeming, MI
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–2555 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Marquette County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Ishpeming
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after May 10 in Marquette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 163.0-day growing season in Marquette 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 →
Persimmon in Other Locations
When should I plant Persimmon in Ishpeming, MI?
In Ishpeming, MI, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ishpeming, MI for Persimmon?
Ishpeming sits in USDA Zone 5a. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Persimmon grow in Ishpeming's climate?
Yes — Persimmon grows well in Ishpeming's temperate climate. Ishpeming averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 20.
Your Marquette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marquette 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.