Grow Persimmons In Your Kitchen Garden With Simple Steps

Some gardeners plant traditional fruit trees, such as citrus, apples, pears, and plums in their home orchards. However, there are numerous other crops to consider, such as the Diospyros virginiana or persimmon tree. With very little care, this beautiful ornamental tree yields a bountiful crop of unique fruit, every autumn.

When you bite into a ripe persimmon, you'll first notice that it tastes as sweet as honey. It is similar to apricot but the after notes can be bitter or crusty. You might be surprised to learn that, in certain species, it has up to twice as much fibre as an apple.

For the home gardener, growing persimmons is an enjoyable and fulfilling endeavour. Here’s how you can continue to  cultivate these magnificent fruit trees in your backyard. 

How To Prep? Simple Steps

A full sun position shielded from strong winds is ideal for persimmons. They detest damp roots and will decay if planted in soggy soil, so pick an area with well-draining soil.

Dig a hole twice as big and deep as your tree's root ball to prepare the soil for planting.

How To Grow Persimmons?

• Choose a full sun position, protected from severe winds
• Persimmons can grow in most temperatures, from cool-temperate to subtropical, and withstand frost.
• Persimmons make stunning showpiece trees because of their vibrant orange fruits and colour-changing foliage.
• Depending on where you live and the type you select, persimmons can be harvested anywhere from April to June.

How To Plant Persimmons In The Garden?

• Although you can buy potted persimmon trees all year round, it's preferable to plant them in the winter when the trees are dormant, and you won't be too likely to disrupt their roots.
• The persimmon tree should be planted at the same depth as in the pot. Make a mound in your prepared planting hole if necessary to ensure the root ball is at the proper height.
• When planting persimmon trees, attach a stake for support; after the roots have been taken, you can remove them.
• When planting your persimmon tree, make sure the soil surrounding the roots is compacted and well-hydrated. Cover the tree with an organic mulch to keep moisture and prevent weeds (do not touch the trunk).
• When you plant your persimmon tree, trim the tip to promote branching and side branches.

Using Pots For Persimmons Plants

Select grafted or dwarf persimmons for potted growth. Look for a pot or container that is at least 50–60 cm wide and the same depth, with adequate drainage. The perfect size is an antique half-wine barrel with drainage holes inserted.

Harvesting Persimmons

When the fruit's colour starts to shift between April and June, persimmons are ready to be picked. To prevent skin damage, cut the fruits from the tree with secateurs. Persimmons can be ripened indoors near other ripe fruits, such as bananas or apples.

Read More: Growing Berries At Home: Essential Tips To Keep In Mind

Remember that its flesh must be soft and jam-like before consuming astringent varieties. When their meat is still crunchy and crisp, but their skin has changed colour, non-astringent types are ready to consume.

If you want to keep hungry birds and animals away from your trees, you might need to firmly net them. Use a 4mm hole or smaller, wildlife-safe white netting pulled securely over the tree and fastened around the truck once the fruits have formed. You can also erect a frame structure over the tree to make placing the net easier.

Disease And Pests Tips For Growing Persimmons

Once the fruit has begun to form, you may need to use insect exclusion netting if Queensland Fruit Fly infestations are a problem in your area.

As persimmon trees bear fruit on this wood, they should be lightly pruned after they are harvested to maintain their shape. Be careful not to cut off too much of the current season's growth. Eliminate any suckers that emerge from beneath any grafts or from the tree's base.