Diospyros, Egg-Shaped Persimmon from China Cricket Hill Garden

Diospyros kaki, Unknown cultivar from China

Variety description: We imported this persimmon tree from China in 2012. Unfortunately the label was lost over the course of the transit and USDA inspection. We nurtured it through USDA supervised post-entry quarantine. During this time, it was field grown in our cold zone 6 climate and died to within an inch of the graft every winter. Eventually transplanted into a large container, it languished in a greenhouse for several more years before before being properly planted in a half-whiskey barrel planter with plenty of compost three years ago. It has since thrived, producing a large crop of egg sized and shaped astringent fruit which ripen well for us. For the winter we store it in an unheated barn. Attempts to ID the cultivar have so far been unsuccessful. 

Site requirements: Persimmons grow best in a full sun location with fertile, well-drained soil. They are quite adaptable and will grow in poor, dry soils, though such conditions are far from ideal.

For growers in colder climates, Asian persimmons grow very well in hoophouses or in large containers which are protected for the winter. 

Size at maturity: 10-12′ tall and 6-8′ wide (guess).  

Pests and diseases: None of concern.

Hardiness:  No protection needed in USDA zones 7-9. Winter protection necessary in zone 6. 

Plant size: Grafted tree, 1-2′ tall with a well developed root system. 

When we ship: 
SPRING 2024 

Shipping restrictions: PROHIBITED TO CA.