Tap to Read ➤

Persimmon Tree Care

Pragya T
Following the persimmon tree care instructions properly will yield a healthy tree which will bear fruits...
Persimmon tree can be generally categorized into two types - the astringent and the non-astringent bearing fruit trees. There are many varieties of these two types of trees, but there are mainly two varieties which are generally planted while gardening, which is the American and the Japanese/oriental persimmon tree.
The American persimmon is native to the areas of east coast, from New York to Florida region. The oriental one is native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries and there are more than 2,000 different cultivators. This plant was introduced in California in the mid 1800's.
The care instructions for the different varieties of this tree are similar, but there is a difference between the way of eating of the fruits of these trees. The astringent type of fruits need to be chilled before they ripen, and the non-astringent ones need to be eaten when they are still firm.

Care Instructions

Assuming you already have a persimmon tree, you can follow the mentioned care instructions. But for people who are looking at planting a persimmon, here are some tips. Buy the variety of the persimmon plant you like. Select a planting site which has a well-drained and slightly acidic soil, where the plant will get plenty of sun.
Dig a hole thrice the size of the root ball; don't worry if you see black roots of the plant, as it is a normal color. Plant the persimmon plant. Fill the hole with water till the roots and soil absorb it. Fill the remaining hole with soil and water it again. Mulch the planting area and water it regularly.

Fertilizing

Use compost as fertilizer. You can use a balanced commercial fertilizer, when the adult leaves are light green or yellow in color. Spread the compost during late winter or early spring under a canopy of a depth of 2 - 3 inches. If you are using fertilizers for American persimmon tree or the oriental one, follow the instructions on the package properly.

Pruning

The best time to prune persimmon is late winter or early spring. Using a pair of shears cut the broken, diseased branches and cut them till you reach the tree trunk. Between each cut you can use antibacterial product (mouthwash works well) to prevent infection.
Cut down the crossing branches and the branches which are growing into the center of the tree. Opt for an overall pyramid shape when pruning to get the best fruit produce.

Watering

The trees can bear short periods of drought,  but fruits will be good if you water the tree regularly. In hot regions the plant might need watering 2 - 3 times every week but in coastal areas the tree will need watering once every 6 weeks, based on the soil.

Soil Care

Slightly acidic and well-drained soil is required for Fuyu and American persimmon tree. It doesn't thrive well in soil which is overly salty, so maintain a well-drained loam soil. The soil pH levels should be between 6.5 to 7.5 for persimmons.

Pests and Problems

The trees and plants of persimmons generally do not require much care, but sometimes pests like mealybugs or scale with ants might cause some trouble. But, hardly will you ever need a spray for persimmons. Water logging due to excess water or a poor drainage soil can cause the roots to rot.
Make sure you keep in mind all the given care factors to grow healthy trees. Remember, everything needs to provided to the tree in adequate amount to prevent any pests or water logging problems.