Species Japanese Persimmon
A tree with various gray branches leading to multiple gray stems filled with orange-yellow fruits.

Japanese Persimmon

Diospyros kaki

Also Known As - syn. D. chinensis Blume,Asian Persimmon,Keg Fig
The Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a highly prized and versatile tree that produces an abundance of edible fruit. The fruit is round and orange-red in color, typically ripening in October, and has a smooth and sweet flavor. Persimmon trees are admired for a plethora of reasons, including their beautiful foliage, dense branching, and overall attractiveness. Further, the wood of the tree is incredibly hard and can be used for a variety of purposes, from household items to tool handles. Deer are known to visit Persimmon trees, making them a fantastic addition to any landscape. There's something special about owning a Japanese Persimmon tree that bears delicious fruit each year, making it a worthwhile investment for any home.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

8

Flowers:

Creamy white (female)Pink (male) Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese Persimmon need to be watered about 2 to 3 times a week in the warmer months, and once a week in the colder months. The deeper and more often you water them, the better they will grow and fruit. Aim to keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season and slightly drier during the dormant season.

sunlight

Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) prefers full sun for optimal growth and fruit production, meaning it should receive 8-10 hours of full, direct sunlight each day. Sun exposure and good air circulation are key for aiding in the development of strong branches and abundant fruit production. Once established, Japanese Persimmon is able to tolerate partial shade, but will produce the best results if grown in an area that receives a good amount of direct sunlight throughout the day.

pruning

Japanese Persimmon should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring before growth begins. When pruning, care should be taken to ensure that branches are not over-pruned, as this can lead to a reduced yield of fruit. It is best to remove only dead, damaged, and diseased branches during pruning, while leaving healthy branches intact. Additionally, pruning should be used to maintain a desired height and shape for the tree. When unwanted water sprouts and suckers appear in the canopy, they should also be cut off at their base. Pruning Japanese Persimmon should be done lightly, usually removing no more than 20% of the tree’s total living branches each year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Diospyros kaki typically begins in October and continues through December.

Starts Flowering

Japanese Persimmon typically start flowering in April.

Hardiness Map