Persimmon |
Diospyros Kaki |
 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
 |
|
|
||
|
 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
Originally a native of China and Diospyros translates as 'food of the gods' with more than 200 varieties, cultivated for centuries. Plants were introduced into California in the mid 1800's and is now cultivated commercially around the world as well as being a popular garden tree. Fuyu is one of Japans more important varieties.
Landscape Value
An attractive ornamental plant, with autumn colours of deep orange, burgundy and purple toning's So plant as a specimen tree or 'Espalier' on a wall or fence. Enjoy the leaves and the fruit.
Nutritional Value
High in vitamin A and also contains good amounts of vitamin B and C, calcium, iron and phosphorus.
How to Eat
Sweet crisp fruit, lovely eaten fresh or try the fruit in a salad, on its own or as an accompaniment to meat.
Expected Yield
20-40kg for a mature tree.
Generic Fruiting Time
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Growing
Sun
Trees should be planted in full sun.
Wind
Give protection from strong winds.
Climate
Persimmons need long warm summers to ripen fruit. They are cold sensitive but become dormant, the risk is of late frosts once buds have burst.
Soil
Can grow in a variety of soils including clay, does best in a well drained loam soil. Will handle short periods of drought. The fruit will be larger if there is regular watering while fruit are growing.
Planting
Plant in deeply worked rich soil and provide plenty of moisture and stake till established.
Fertiliser
Apply a complete fertiliser in late winter and again in early summer (200g-500g/tree up to 10 years old and 2kg-5kg/tree annually thereafter).
Pruning
Train the tree to a pyramid shape. Fruit are borne on new wood which is only formed on the terminal buds of last year's growth. Therefore, to ensure fruiting wood remains, prune 50% of the tree back hard leaving some of last season's growth.
Pests
Fairly disease resistant. They are susceptible to thrips and mites. The fruit is also appealing to birds so may need bird netting.
Hardiness
-2°C
Special Conditions