Growing Persimmon Trees In Northeast!

Home gardeners can grow persimmon trees in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. The American persimmon can tolerate temperatures down to -25 degrees F (-32°C), while the Asian persimmon only tolerates winter temperatures down to 0 degrees F (-18°C).

Unlike many fruit trees, persimmon trees have a very low chilling requirement in order to produce good flowers and fruit. That means that even in especially warm winters, they'll perform just fine.

Asian Persimmon Trees are probably one of the most widely planted fruit trees in the world, Persimmons are found throughout Asia in almost every yard and orchard. Large, bright orange, Asian Persimmon features yellow, orange and scarlet fall color and their striking fruits remain on the tree long after leaf fall. The Japanese or Oriental Persimmon is a native Asian plant that has been in cultivation for many centuries. It is a lovely ornamental tree with drooping glossy green leaves and branches that give it a flowing, rather tropical look. The leaves offer a nice display in Fall, turning to dramatic shades of yellow, orange and red. The beautiful orange or reddish fruit in Fall hangs long on the tree to give additional ornamental value.

This Fall ripening period makes persimmons very popular with hunters to attract wildlife. The fruits are classified into two categories: astringent and non-astringent. The non-astringent is as crisp as an apple when ripe. However, astringent varieties must ripen to be very soft before it can be eaten. But once ripened, the astringent varieties are as sweet or sweeter than non-astringent varieties.

Persimmons can be planted with just one variety but you will increase fruit yields by planting two different varieties. Begins producing fruit at 3 years.