Persimmon trees make wonderful ornamental specimens. On the other hand, some varieties (like the very large fruited "yates", which is a late ripening variety) remain astringent even when the fruit has become completely soft (at least in the British climate). [6], The tree is greatly inclined to vary in the character and quality of its fruit, in size this varies from that of a large cherry to a small apple. Diospyros virginiana is a persimmon species commonly called the American persimmon,[2] common persimmon,[3] eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, possum apples,[4] or sugar plum.

The peculiar astringency of the fruit is due to the presence of a tannin similar to that of cinchona. [7], The tree is very common in the South Atlantic and Gulf states, and attains its largest size in the basin of the Mississippi River.

It's important that the base of the tree sits above the surrounding soil since the tree will settle further into the soil when watered. It's easiest to grow the tree from a sapling rather than a seed, since the seeds can be difficult to cultivate.

This species has a shrubby growth form. [6], It was brought to England before 1629 and is cultivated, but rarely if ever ripens its fruit. Diospyros virginiana grows to 20 m (66 ft), in well-drained soil. Most cultivars are parthenocarpic (setting seedless fruit without pollination). Petioles stout, pubescent, one-half to an inch in length. Persimmons like a loamy soil but are generally happy without extra fertilizer. This deciduous tree has blue-green leaves that turn yellow and orange in autumn. [13], "Simmon" redirects here. Some afternoon shade is all right. This heartwood is extremely close-grained and almost black, resembling ebony (of which it is a true variety).[6][12].
The tree is hardy in the south of England and in the Channel Islands.

As with most fruit trees, full sun is best for growing persimmons. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department.

It ripens in late autumn, is pale orange with a red cheek, often covered with a slight glaucous bloom.

Persimmons respond well to pruning and may be pruned into hedges or even espalier forms. These scales are sometimes persistent at the base of the branchlets. Check out our persimmon plant selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our outdoor & gardening shops. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. During a drought, water once weekly, deeply at the roots. Persimmons are bright red-orange fruits that grow on trees. It's best to use an organic mulch, since it will break down as the tree grows, adding nutrients to the soil. The same goes for the Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki), where early frost can severely damage a fruit crop. Persimmons are a small, bright orange fruit with an unusually vibrant flavor when ripe; when unripe they are very sour and almost inedible. Staminate flowers borne in two to three-flowered cymes; the pedicels downy and bearing two minute bracts. They do not do well in salty soils. Some trees in the south produce fruit that is delicious without the action of the frost, while adjoining trees produce fruit that never becomes edible. The fruits were considered a household staple during early American settlement and recipes; Indiana has an annual persimmon festival with prizes for the best desserts. Native Americans cultivated the trees for centuries, using the fruit in pudding, cornbread and gruel. The tree was first introduced to Europe and North America in the 1800s. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Plant-a-Persimmon-Tree-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Plant-a-Persimmon-Tree-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Plant-a-Persimmon-Tree-Step-1.jpg\/aid10781284-v4-728px-Plant-a-Persimmon-Tree-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"