Persimmons

Chapter 27

Types

• Two types of persimmons.– Japanese (soft)– American (hard)

• China produces 70% of the world market.

• The US produces less than 1% of the world market.

Cold Tolerance

• Japanese zones 7 to 10.• American plums grow well in

zones 5 to 9

Growth and bearing habits• Japanese persimmons trees

grow 25’ to 40’ tall.• American persimmon trees

grow 35’ to 50’ tall.• They start to bear fruit in the

3rd. To 4th. Leaf.• They reach full bearing at 10th

to 12th leaf.• American persimmons need a

pollinator for every 5 to 6 trees.

Site selection and preparation

Choosing cultivars

Rootstocks

Orchard layout and planting• Page 531

Soil management, irrigation, and fertilizers

Diseases – Phytophthora root & Crown rot

Crown gall

Insects – Red-humped caterpillar

Persimmon borer

Persimmon psylla

Citrus mealybug