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How to Grow Persimmon

Diospyros kaki

Perennial

Persimmon trees produce beautiful autumn foliage and late-ripening fruit in UK gardens. Plant in a warm, sheltered position in full sun with well-drained soil. Choose a non-astringent variety like 'Fuyu' for eating fresh off the tree. Feed in spring, prune in late winter, and avoid excessive nitrogen which causes fruit drop. Astringent types need frost or bletting to become edible. Hardy to about -15C once established.

Yearly Lifecycle

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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Bud Break Flowering Fruit Set Harvest Leaf Fall

Care Essentials

Spring with a balanced fertiliser. Mulch with compost.

Watch For

  • Generally pest-free in the UK
  • Occasional scale insects
  • Fruit drop

Companions

Comfrey, Clover, Lavender

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Care Requirements

☀️ Light

Full sun; warm sheltered position in the UK

Full sun for best fruiting and autumn colour. In the UK, a warm, sheltered position is important — south- or west-facing is ideal.

💧 Watering

Water young trees; moderate once established

Water regularly during the first few years of establishment. Mature trees are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from watering during fruit development.

🌱 Fertilizing

Balanced spring feed; compost mulch

Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring. Mulch with compost. Avoid excessive nitrogen which can cause fruit drop.

✂️ Pruning

Winter prune; central leader for young trees

Prune in late winter while dormant. Shape young trees to a central leader. Remove dead or crossing branches. Mature trees need minimal pruning.

Growing Tips

Pick the right type

Choose a non-astringent variety like 'Fuyu' for eating fresh; astringent types must be bletted until soft.

Warm position matters

Plant in a warm, sheltered spot — south or west-facing is ideal for ripening fruit in the UK.

Go easy on nitrogen

Avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser which promotes leafy growth at the expense of fruit and causes fruit drop.

Train when young

Shape young trees to a central leader in late winter; mature trees need minimal pruning.

Pests & Diseases

Pest Scale Insects

Identification: Small brown or white oval bumps on stems and branches. Sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves below.

Organic treatment:
  • Scrub off scale with a soft brush in winter
  • Apply a winter plant oil wash to smother overwintering scale
  • Encourage parasitic wasps and ladybirds
Chemical treatment:
  • Spray with a plant oil-based insecticide during the dormant season
Pest Mealybugs

Identification: White cottony masses in leaf axils and on stems. Sticky honeydew and sooty mould.

Organic treatment:
  • Dab individual bugs with methylated spirit on a cotton bud
  • Introduce the ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri under glass
  • Spray with insecticidal soap
Chemical treatment:
  • Spray with a systemic insecticide if infestations are severe
Pest Birds

Identification: Peck marks and torn skin on ripening fruit, especially soft astringent types.

Organic treatment:
  • Net trees as fruit begins to soften and colour
  • Use bird scarers or reflective tape
Chemical treatment:
  • Not applicable
Disease Crown Rot Phytophthora spp.

Symptoms: Wilting and dieback of branches. Dark, waterlogged bark at the base of the trunk. Tree declines over one or two seasons.

Treatment: Improve drainage around the root zone. Remove soil from around the crown to allow it to dry.

Prevention: Plant in well-drained soil. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk. Do not overwater.

Disease Leaf Spot Cercospora spp.

Symptoms: Circular brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. Heavy infections cause early leaf drop.

Treatment: Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Prune for good airflow through the canopy.

Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Clear fallen leaves in autumn. Maintain good air circulation.

Popular Varieties

Fuyu

A non-astringent variety that is squat and tomato-shaped. Can be eaten while crisp like an apple or allowed to soften.

Hachiya

An astringent variety characterized by its acorn shape and deep orange skin. Must be eaten only when completely soft and jelly-like.

Spacing & Planting

Plant spacing 400 cm
Row spacing 500 cm
Mature height 600 cm
Mature spread 500 cm

Asian types 3-4.5m apart. American persimmon larger, needs 5-6m. Dwarf varieties 2-3m.

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