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When to Plant Persimmon in Walker County, TX

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.

Walker County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 274 days.

At an elevation of 38 feet, Walker County receives approximately 72.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Persimmon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Persimmon root diseases.

Walker County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
274 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
274 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Walker County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 3

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 Walker County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4โ€“6.6) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Walker County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Persimmon will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/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 โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 12.1" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 9.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 10.2" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.9" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Dec โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Febโ€“Nov in Walker County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 ~31,938 GDD — county provides 4,812 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline โ€” Walker County, TX

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

1095โ€“2555 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

274 days in Walker County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Walker County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after February 26 in Walker County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Walker County dries quickly โ€” mulch Persimmon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

Your 275.0-day growing season in Walker 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 Walker County, TX?

Walker County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walker County, TX?

Walker County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Walker County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Walker County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.