Persimmon Tree Care

Persimmon tree can be generally categorized into two types, the astringent and the non-astringent bearing fruit trees. There are many varieties of these two types of trees, but there are mainly two varieties which are generally planted while gardening, which is the American and the Japanese or oriental persimmon tree. The American persimmon is native to the areas of east coast, from New York to Florida region. The other variety, the oriental one is native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries, and there are more than 2,000 different cultivator. This plant was introduced in California in the mid 1800's. The care instructions of the different varieties of the astringent and non-astringent variety of the trees is similar, but there is a difference between the way of eating of the fruits of these trees. The astringent type of fruits need to be chilled before they ripen, and the non-astringent ones need to eaten when they are still firm.

Care Instructions

Assuming you already have a persimmon tree included in your landscaping plan, you can follow the mentioned below care instructions. But for people who are looking at planting a persimmon, here are some tips. Buy the variety of the persimmon plant you want to plant. Select a planting site which has a well drained and slightly acidic soil, where the plant will get plenty of sun. Dig a hole which is thrice the size of the root ball; don't be worried if you see black roots of the plant, as it is their normal color. Plant the persimmon plant. Fill the hole with water and let the roots and soil absorb the water. Then fill the remaining hole with soil, and water it properly again. Mulch the planting area, and water it regularly. Here, are the care factors you need, to maintain a healthy tree.

Fertilizing: Use products from composting as a fertilizer, or you can also use a balanced commercial fertilizer, when the adult leaves are light green or yellow in color. Spread the compost during late winter or early spring time, underneath a canopy having depth of 2 - 3 inches. In case you are using fertilizers for American persimmon tree, or the oriental one, follow the instructions on the commercial fertilizer package properly.

Pruning: The ideal time for pruning fruit trees of persimmon, is in late winter or early in spring. Using a sharp pair of shears, cut out the broken and diseased branches, and then cut them back till you reach the trunk of the tree. Between each cut you can smear some antibacterial product (mouthwash works well), to prevent any infection. Cut down the crossing branches and the branches which are growing into the center of the tree. Opt for an overall pyramid shaped when pruning, to get the best fruit produce.

Watering: Though these trees can bear short periods of drought, the fruits of the tree will be higher in quality, if you keep on watering the tree regularly. Around 36 - 48 inches of water is required every year. In hot regions, the plant might require to be watered almost 2 - 3 times every week, but in coastal areas, the tree might need watering only once every 6 weeks, depending on the soil of the region.

Soil Care: Slightly acidic and well drained soil is required for Fuyu and American persimmon tree. It doesn't thrive well in soil which is overly salty, so maintain a well drained loam soil. The soil pH levels should be between 6.5 to 7.5 for persimmons.

Pests & Problems: The trees and plants of persimmons generally do not require much care, but sometimes pests like mealybugs or scale with ants might cause some trouble. But, hardly will you ever need a spray for persimmons. Water logging, due to excess water or a low drainage soil can cause the roots to rot.

Make sure you keep in mind all the above care factors, to grow healthy trees. However, everything needs to provided to the tree in adequate amount, to prevent any pests or water logging problems.