When to plant Persimmon in Wheeling, MO
Plant Persimmon in Wheeling during the brief May 6–May 20 window. With 189 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 21.
When to Plant Persimmon in Wheeling, MO
Your July planting checklist for Livingston County, Missouri
Here's what deserves your attention in Livingston County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a 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.
Wheeling, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 515 feet, Livingston County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.
Wheeling Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 Wheeling
How your county's soil matches Persimmon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.8) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Livingston County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Livingston 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 — Wheeling, MO
Persimmon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Livingston County
Growing Tips for Persimmon in Wheeling
Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 15 in Livingston County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 189.0-day growing season in Livingston 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 Wheeling, MO?
In Wheeling, MO, plant Persimmon after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wheeling, MO for Persimmon?
Wheeling sits in USDA Zone 6a. Persimmon grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Persimmon grow in Wheeling's climate?
Yes — Persimmon grows well in Wheeling's temperate climate. Wheeling averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 21.
Your Livingston County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Livingston County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.