When to plant Persimmon in Dakota County, MN
In Dakota County, Persimmon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 19–June 2 for an 1095–2555-day harvest, finishing well before the October 8 first frost.
When to Plant Persimmon in Dakota County, MN
This month in Dakota County, Minnesota
Here's what deserves your attention in Dakota County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Dakota County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 616 feet, Dakota County receives approximately 35.9 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.
Dakota County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Dakota County
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Persimmon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dakota 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
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dakota 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 — Dakota County, MN
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
· 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 Dakota County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Dakota County
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 28 in Dakota County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 163.0-day growing season in Dakota 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Persimmon in Dakota County, MN?
Dakota County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dakota County, MN?
Dakota County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.
When should I plant Persimmon in Dakota County, MN?
In Dakota County, MN, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dakota County, MN for Persimmon?
Dakota 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 Dakota County's climate?
Yes — Persimmon grows well in Dakota County's temperate climate. Dakota County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 8.
Your Dakota County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dakota 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.