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When to Plant Persimmon in Wahkiakum County, WA

Wahkiakum County, Washington Zone 8b May

May in the garden — Wahkiakum County, Washington

Each item below is timed to Wahkiakum County, Washington's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost April 13
Avg. first frost November 4
Soil temp (4") 69°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.8 hrs
  1. Plant out persimmon

    Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.

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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.

Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 180 feet, Wahkiakum County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Persimmon during the growing season.

Wahkiakum County, WA (Zone 8b) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
205 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4
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Wahkiakum County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 21

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 Wahkiakum County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Persimmon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Wahkiakum County is excellent for Persimmon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Persimmon will thrive.

How to Plant Persimmon

120"
Between Plants
144"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 505 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 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wahkiakum 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 needs ~25,094 GDD — county provides 2,818 GDD May not mature

Persimmon Planting Timeline — Wahkiakum County, WA

Persimmon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 – May 18

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

205 days in Wahkiakum County

Growing Tips for Persimmon in Wahkiakum County

Direct sow Persimmon outdoors after April 13 in Wahkiakum County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your 205.0-day growing season in Wahkiakum 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 Wahkiakum County, WA?

Wahkiakum County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Persimmon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wahkiakum County, WA?

Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 4.

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Your Wahkiakum County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Wahkiakum County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Wahkiakum County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.