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Date Plum Persimmon
Diospyros lotus


This seedling tree produces fruits about the size of cherries. Changing from yellow to blue black as they ripen and loose their astringency. Often used as rootstock for D. Kaki (Asian Persimmons). Small upright tree resembling American Persimmon, usual height about 20 feet tall. Taking about a 10 to 15 foot circle. Very old trees can be taller. Attractive permanent tree with no need for manipulation or cultivation. Zone 6 - 8.

Plant Characteristics
Pest ResistanceExcellent
Disease ResistanceExcellent
Heat ToleranceVery Good
Humidity ToleranceVery Good
Sun ToleranceVery Good
Wet Soil TolerancePoor
Shade ToleranceFair
No SprayExcellent
Salt ToleranceFair
Fun for KidsGood
Deer ResistanceFair
Plant TypeTree
Soil TypeAdaptable
Edible TypeFruit
Self FertileYes
this information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, comments/opinions are always welcome


Please Choose A Size:
1 Gallon - $25.00  -  $18.00     

Due to import restrictions we are unable to ship Date Plum Persimmon to CA...

Persimmons Care Guide


Temperature Ranges
We strive to have the hardiest oriental persimmons. Because of their beauty, ease of care, and delicious fruits it has been our desire to promote the best varieties for the eastern and southern United States.

We have had reports fo some varieties of oriental persimmons surviving -16*F for short durations. Our trees have survived -9*F in 1993. This was a one night low. American persimmons can survive extended cold as low as -20*F. they are a better choice for northern gardeners and landscapers.

We graft our oriental persimmons on to native american rootstock. We feel this gives more hardiness to our varieties and makes them more adaptable to our region.

In our area it's still a good idea to choose a protected sunny place for placement of the tree. Situating an oriental persimmon south of a home or wall will produce a wind break, and the fruit ripening time will be earlier because of the warmer micro climate.

Fruits ripen in the fall. There ate two types of oriental persimmons: astringent till ripe and never astringent. Never astringent persimmons are usually eaten when still hard like an apple. They are sweet and crisp and very pleasant. Astringent till ripe have disagreeable tannins when unripe. When ripe they are very soft and smooth with a melting sweet flavor, a true treat.The first few years, Oriental persimmons are beautiful trees. Their leaves are dark green, large and reminiscent of magnolia leaves. They have excellent ornamental value. They're not fussy about soil types and can be planted readily from our pot to your soil. Water well the first season but do not water log soil. Keep grass away for competition for nutrients and moisture may result in poor performance. Sometimes newly set persimmons will not grow alot the first year, it this happens it usually "takes off" the next season. If some roots are visible after the pot is removed be sure to gingerly plant them in your soil.Oriental persimmons generally come into fruiting early, 2-3 years after planting. Our larger 3 gallon plants can fruit the following year. A small plant may not hold all the fruit it has set, so some fruit drop is normal. If fruit drop seems to be a problem be sure there is enough potassium in your soil. Usually a fertilizer of 5-10-10 is sufficient.

Insects
In midsummer there is a small insect that looks like a large gnat (psylid) at 1/8" long, that will suck on newly emerging leaves. Their cycle is approximately 1 month. I've never seen them set back an outdoor tree and in the fall their damage is not really noticeable. If they are alarming they can be controlled with sprays. Since they ar soft bodied a soap spray can be effective.

There is a dogwood borer that will damage the lower (near the ground line) trunk of a tree. It is a clear winged moth that can lay eggs in late June. It is not a sure thing that the female moth will lay eggs on every persimmon tree, but it is good information to remember if you see borer damage. The damage would show near the grass line where the larvae chews into and under the bark. A sawdust like "frass" is visible. The trunk can be sprayed as a preventive measure in June, or a collar of tobacco can be placed around the tree. With a wire one can follow the borer damage and "do in" the rascal at the end of the tunnel. WE have seen no damage in our orchard.

Spacing
Since persimmons are such pretty yard trees a few placement ideas may be helpful. Dwarf varieties such as Smith's Best, Sheng, Ichi Ki Kei' Jiro, can be planted 10 - 12' away from each other. Others about 15'. Plant at least 12' away from the house too. Unless your planting an espalier or you need warmth from the house for far north planting. Consult our catalog for variety, descriptions and prices. We are available to assist with any other questions you might have. Please call if there is a certain variety you with to acquire, we may have it, or may be able to locate it for you.

Ripening times
American Persimmons;
September: Yates, Weber and Meader
October: Yates Weber, Meader Rosseyanka, Ruby
November: Ruby, Rosseyanka, Meader

Oriental Persimmons;
September: Izu, Miss Kim, Sheng, Wase Fuyu
October: Gwang Yang, Hana Fuyu, TamKam, Wase Fuyu, Ichi Ki Kei Jiro, Izu, Makawa Jiro, Sheng, Miss Kim, Smith's Best, Sung Hui
November: Great Wall, Hychia, Hira Tanenashi, Kungsun Bansi, Miss Kim, Saijo, San Pedro, Smiths Best, Sun Hui, TamKam, Gwang Yang, Hana Fuyu, Makawa Jiro, Ichi Ki Kei Jiro
December: Hana Gosho, Tecumseh

Michael's Breakfast Smoothie
One of my best breakfast smoothies I know. Thick, orange, and smooth. Delicious chilled.
2 persimmons about 3" diameter (should be Asian persimmons, but can be Native that are completely soft ripe) use 6 native persimmons since size matters. The Asian persimmons can be hard when ripe like the Fuyu's or soft when ripe. Remove calayx (leafy bloom end) and check for seeds by halving the fruit. Probably they are seedless. Cut up in pieces to blend and put in blender. Add about 1 cup of fresh or store bought orange juice. Add honey to taste, usually about 1 tablespoon for me. Blend till smooth and serve in a clear glass since it's so orange and pretty. Delicious too!

ON SALE

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Cambodian White Guava
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1 Gallon - $25.00  -  $15.00     
3 Gallon - $45.00     
5 Gallon - $65.00     
7 gallon * - $85.00     

* 7 gallon will have to be shipped freight. In the shopping cart the shipping price will appear as $0. We will contact you with the freight price once we have calculated it.

Feijoa (Pineapple Guava)
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LSU Purple
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Premier Blueberry
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