Ruqayyah Snyder
Persimmons are a delicious and underrated fruit that can be grown through a wide variety of climate zones and soil types. They are available in astringent and non-astringent varieties, with the former being more suited to cooler climates. Persimmon trees are deciduous and can be grown from seed, although they rarely reproduce true to type. To grow persimmons from seed in Australia, one must first remove the seeds from the fruit without letting them dry out. The seeds must then be planted in autumn or winter, no more than a couple of centimetres into the soil, as they won't germinate until late spring. Once the seeds have grown to about 10 cm high, they can be transplanted to their final location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Persimmon Tree Type | Deciduous |
| Persimmon Seed Germination | Late Spring |
| Persimmon Seed Planting Time | Autumn or Winter |
| Persimmon Seed Planting Depth | No more than a couple of centimetres in the soil |
| Persimmon Tree Height | Up to 3m (10ft) |
| Persimmon Tree Pruning | Light, uneven pruning, leaving most of the tree untouched |
| Persimmon Fruit Varieties | Astringent and Non-astringent |
| Persimmon Fruit Colour | Deep Orange or Red when ripe |
| Persimmon Fruit Taste | Astringent varieties are bitter, Non-astringent varieties are sweet and crisp |
| Persimmon Fruit Uses | Desserts, Salads, Jams, Cakes, Breads, Biscuits, Smoothies, Dried |
| Persimmon Tree Soil | Grows in a wide variety of soils |
| Persimmon Tree Climate | Suited to Melbourne climate, grows well in a wide variety of climate zones |
| Persimmon Tree Pests | Rarely affected, watch out for mealy bugs and fruit-loving birds |
| Persimmon Tree Cost | $22-$36 for 5-litre bags or 250mm pots |
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What You'll Learn
- Persimmon seeds won't germinate until late spring, so plant them in outdoor pots then
- Persimmon seeds need to be planted in autumn or winter, no more than a couple of centimetres into the soil
- Persimmons fruit on the tips of last season's growth, so don't prune off the tips
- Persimmons are rarely affected by pests other than fruit-loving birds
- Persimmons are available from specialist fruit tree nurseries or your local nursery
Persimmon seeds won't germinate until late spring, so plant them in outdoor pots then
Persimmon seeds require a period of stratification, which means they need to sit through a cold period before they can germinate. In Australia, spring spans from September to November, with the spring equinox occurring in September. So, if you're planning to grow persimmons from seed in Australia, you should plant them in outdoor pots in late spring, around September. This way, the seeds will experience the cold temperatures necessary for stratification before spring gives way to summer.
When planting persimmon seeds, it's important not to let them dry out. Place them in the soil no more than a couple of centimetres deep. Keep in mind that persimmons, like most deciduous tree fruits, may not reproduce true to type from seed. This means that the fruit produced by the seedling may differ from the fruit from which the seeds were saved.
Once your persimmon seeds are in the ground, they won't germinate until late spring. This timing is important because it gives the seeds time to experience the cold temperatures necessary for stratification. If you plant the seeds too early, they may not receive an adequate cold period, hindering their ability to germinate.
By planting them in outdoor pots, you can easily keep track of the seeds and monitor their progress. As soon as you notice germination, it's crucial to transplant the seedlings into their permanent location. This step is vital because persimmon trees develop a long taproot, and transplanting them after this root has grown can be challenging.
Although persimmons can be grown in a wide range of climates and soil types, they are deciduous trees that require specific conditions to fruit. They produce flowers and fruit on the tips of the current season's growth, so pruning should be minimal and avoided altogether on the tips of branches. Persimmon trees are also rarely affected by pests, as their fruit tends to ripen too late for fruit fly attacks. However, fallen fruit should be picked up to prevent any issues.
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Persimmon seeds need to be planted in autumn or winter, no more than a couple of centimetres into the soil
To grow persimmons from seed in Australia, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, persimmon seeds need to be planted in autumn or winter. This timing is important because persimmon seeds require a period of stratification, which means they need to sit through a cold period before they can germinate. By planting them in autumn or winter, you can ensure they receive the necessary cold temperatures to stimulate growth.
When planting the seeds, it is important not to bury them too deeply. Persimmon seeds should be planted no more than a couple of centimetres into the soil. This allows the seeds to maintain the necessary moisture levels and access the warmth they need to germinate.
While persimmons can be grown from seed, it is worth noting that they may not reproduce true to type. This means that the fruit produced from a seeded plant may differ from the fruit from which the seeds were taken. Persimmons are also commonly grafted, which can be a more reliable method of propagation.
In terms of climate, persimmons are quite adaptable and can be grown in various regions of Australia. They are deciduous trees that can produce magnificent deep orange, burgundy, or purple leaves in autumn. The fruit of the persimmon tree can be either astringent or non-astringent, with the astringent varieties containing water-soluble tannins, resulting in a bitter taste. Non-astringent varieties, on the other hand, are crisp and sweet and can be eaten straight from the tree.
Persimmon trees are generally hardy and can live for centuries. They fruit on the tips of the previous season's growth, so it is important to be mindful of this when pruning to ensure you don't accidentally remove the potential fruit-bearing parts of the tree. With the right care and conditions, you can successfully grow persimmons from seed in Australia and enjoy the beauty and fruit of these wonderful trees.
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Persimmons fruit on the tips of last season's growth, so don't prune off the tips
Persimmon trees are deciduous and hardy, and can live for centuries. They are considered low-maintenance trees and are rarely affected by pests. Persimmons fruit on the tips of the previous season's growth. Therefore, pruning off the tips of the tree will prevent it from fruiting.
To prune a persimmon tree, leave some shorter new growth unpruned, as this will produce fruit. The longer new growth can be pruned back to a few buds from the main branch. After a year of growth, the short branches will lengthen, and the pruned branches will produce many short branches, which will become the new fruiting wood in two years.
If you give your tree a light, overall prune, it will not be able to fruit the following year. However, if you don't prune at all, the tree can become straggly. It is recommended to give the tree an uneven prune, leaving most of the tree untouched but cutting back a section hard. Then, the next year, cut back a different part of the tree.
Persimmon trees can be pruned into different shapes, including open vase, central leader, and modified central leader. The modified central leader shape is the most common for persimmon trees, as they typically have a more rounded growth habit with a full body of branches. To achieve this shape, ensure there is ample space between the branches you are leaving and allow the tree to grow in size.
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Persimmons are rarely affected by pests other than fruit-loving birds
To prevent birds from eating your persimmons, you can keep your persimmon tree pruned to 3m (10ft) high, which will allow you to net it and save the fruit from bird and fruit bat damage. Trellising can also help prevent branch breakage.
Other pests that can affect persimmon trees include beetles, caterpillars, and citrus nematodes (Tylenchulus semipenetrans). To prevent beetles, keep your tree healthy and well-cared for with appropriate water, fertilizer, light exposure, and pruning. If you do spot beetles, you can treat the trees during the summer to kill the adults and prevent them from laying eggs. To get rid of caterpillars, you can hand-pick them (while wearing gloves) or prune off heavily infested branches. Bacillus thuringiensis v. kurstaki (Btk) is also an effective treatment for caterpillars.
In Australia, some native bird species that are considered pests include the Australian white ibis (or "bin chicken"), the silver gull, the welcome swallow, and the Australian raven and little raven. However, it is important to note that there are laws in place to protect native bird species, and harming, killing, or removing them without a special licence or permit is usually illegal.
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Persimmons are available from specialist fruit tree nurseries or your local nursery
Persimmon trees are available from specialist fruit tree nurseries or your local nursery in Australia. The most commonly grown fruiting persimmon, botanically known as Diospyros kaki, is a small, deciduous tree from China. There are several other species native to Asia, such as Diospyros lotus, and one native to the eastern USA, Diospyros virginiana, which provides both astringent fruit and handsome, almost black timber.
Persimmon trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their delicate blossoms in spring and fiery foliage in autumn. They are also known as "winter Christmas trees" due to their glossy green leaves, which turn orange and fall, leaving orange baubles hanging on smooth, deep brown branches. Persimmons are either astringent or non-astringent, and both types should grow well. Astringent varieties need to be picked when ripe, as they have mouth-puckering tannins, while non-astringent persimmons can be eaten straight from the tree.
When choosing a persimmon tree, consider the climate of your region. Varieties like 'Hachiya' thrive in cooler areas, while non-astringent varieties like 'Fuyu' are ideal for warmer coastal regions like Brisbane and the Northern Rivers, as they require less chill to produce sweet fruit. 'Fuyu' is also a good choice for smaller gardens or pots and containers.
Persimmon trees typically require a balanced fertiliser applied in early spring when growth begins. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They grow well in a sunny position with well-drained, humus-rich soil and shelter from strong winds. Remember that good drainage is essential.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the seeds from a persimmon fruit and make sure they don't dry out. Next, plant the seeds in autumn or winter, no more than a couple of centimetres into the soil. The seeds won't germinate until late spring.
Transplant the seedlings into their final location before they send down their long taproot. Persimmons fruit on the tips of last season's growth, so be careful not to prune off the tips. You can keep the tree pruned to 3 metres (10 feet) high to save the fruit from birds and fruit bats.
Yes, persimmons can be astringent or non-astringent. Astringent persimmons are bitter and need to be eaten when they're soft and mushy, while non-astringent persimmons are crisp and sweet and can be eaten straight from the tree.
