persimmon
Diospyros virginiana 'Meader'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Air Layering Propagation,Tissue Culture
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
White to greenish-yellow Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
yellow,orange Fruits Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red,yellow,orange
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana 'Meader') should be watered regularly in order to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. During the spring and summer months, it is important to water deeply once or twice a week in order to encourage strong root growth and promote healthy fruits. During the fall and winter, water less often; about once a month should be enough. Make sure that the soil drains well, as too much water can be detrimental to the plant. Signs of over-watering include wilted leaves and brown leaf tips. If the soil feels overly dry, it may be time to water.
sunlight
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana 'Meader') should be planted in an area with full sun exposure (6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day), since this species thrives in direct sunlight. The hot, humid climate of southeastern United States is ideal for this species, but it may not do so well in cooler climates. Therefore, it is important to plant your persimmon trees where they will receive full sun exposure, preferably in the morning and early afternoon hours before the hottest part of the day. In addition, persimmon trees do not require a large amount of water, so water should only be given during prolonged dry periods.
pruning
The Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana 'Meader') can be pruned annually from late-winter to early spring. Pruning should be done before the plant blooms or produces new growth. During pruning, it is important to remove any dead, diseased, crossing, or weak branches in order to open up the canopy and promote healthy growth. Any shoots arising from the base of the tree can be removed if desired. Most branches can be thinned out in order to increase sunlight, air circulation, and reduce the tree's size. It is also important to shorten suckers or water sprouts that appear from the base of the tree and remove any branches growing inward or rubbing against 1 another. Lastly, you should never prune more than 25% of the tree during 1 season.
FAQ
Do persimmon trees produce fruit annually?
Yes, persimmon trees produce fruit annually. This fruit typically ripens in late fall and can be enjoyed for many weeks into winter. Proper soil and climate requirements must be met in order for the tree to produce a bountiful harvest. With proper maintenance and care, the persimmon tree can give you a pick-me-up of bright, vitamin-packed fruit each year.
Should persimmon plant mulched for better growth?
Yes, it is recommended to mulch persimmon plants for better growth. Mulching provides many benefits to the soil and overall health of the plant. It helps to retain moisture, protect soil from erosion and keep weeds at bay. Additionally, mulching helps to provide protection from temperature extremes as well as provides essential nutrient input. Furthermore, mulching encourages beneficial microorganisms in the soil which can help reduce plant stress. All these benefits can lead to even larger and healthier fruits from a persimmon plant.
Do persimmon trees attract birds?
Yes, persimmon trees attract birds. These trees produce an abundance of small, sweet-tasting fruit, which will be eaten by a variety of local birds. The drupes, or “fruit”, of the persimmon tree are a great source of food for birds and other wildlife. Additionally, many bird species enjoy foraging on the leaves, bark, or twigs of persimmon trees, which also helps to replenish calcium and protein in their diets. The presence of birds in persimmon tree orchards can serve as an ongoing pollinator, distributing the tree’s seeds to other areas in the ecosystem.
Do persimmon trees have long rooted systems?
Yes, persimmon trees have long rooted systems. They typically have a deep taproot that can reach depths of up to 8 feet, although in some cases roots can extend much deeper. In addition to the deep taproot, lateral roots of the tree can extend up to 20 feet away from the tree, providing stability to the tree in wind or rain. Persimmon trees also have fibrous roots that spread out wider from the tap root and are beneficial for absorbing water and minerals from the soil.
Is it safe to eat unripe persimmons?
No, it is not safe to eat unripe persimmons due to the astringency they contain. This chemical compound makes the fruit too bitter and chalky when unripe and can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms if ingested. It is best to wait for the persimmon to become a vibrant orange before consuming, as this indicates the astringency has dissipated and the fruit has reached its peak sweetness.
Do persimmons contain any antioxidants?
Yes, persimmons do contain antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Specifically, persimmons contain plant compounds such as carotenoids (including beta-carotene), flavonoids, and polyphenols which are all known to possess antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that persimmon intake has a positive effect on individual markers of inflammation and oxidative damage. Additionally, it has been linked to improved antioxidant status.
Are there any types of persimmon fruits?
Yes, indeed! There are two main types of persimmon fruits; the Oriental persimmon and the American persimmon. The Oriental persimmon is native to eastern Asia and is typically oval in shape. The American persimmon is native to the southeastern United States, is typically round in shape, and has a slightly larger seed than the Oriental variety. Both types of persimmon fruits are juicy and sweet, but the American persimmon is considered to be the sweeter of the two.
Can we dry persimmons to make dried fruit?
Yes, you can absolutely dry persimmons to make dried fruit! Dried persimmons makes a great snack, and can also be used for baking. To dry persimmons, start with firm, ripe fruit. Peel, halve or quarter the fruit and remove the seeds. Cut the pieces into thin slices and lay them out on a lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 150 - 160°F for several hours until the pieces are completely dry and crisp. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy your delicious dried persimmons!
