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When to Plant Persimmon in Williamson 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.

Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Williamson County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 94Β°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Persimmon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Persimmon root diseases.

Williamson County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Williamson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 27

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 Williamson County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (7.1–7.8) overlaps with Persimmon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Williamson County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Persimmon.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Persimmon.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/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 β€” 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Williamson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” 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" β€” every day above 50Β°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 ~37,412 GDD — county provides 5,371 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline β€” Williamson County, TX

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

1"/week Β· Natural rainfall sufficient

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

1095–2555 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: acceptable

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

262 days in Williamson County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Williamson County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after March 05 in Williamson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Williamson County's clay soil (46% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Persimmon. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your 262.0-day growing season in Williamson 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 Williamson County, TX?

Williamson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Williamson County, TX?

Williamson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 22.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Williamson 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 Williamson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.