(Diospyros virginiana)
American persimmon is a remarkable fruit tree native to eastern North America that produces small, sugary orange fruits which hang onto the tree like ornaments into late fall and early winter. The fruit is edible and super sweet, but must be allowed to completely soften to become caramel-like. It is excellent when processed and included in baked goods. This is also a great plant to support local wildlife as mature trees will produce more than enough late-season fruit for all to enjoy into the colder months when other food sources are scarce.
All of our persimmons are grafted on American persimmon rootstock. The cultivars we offer are partially or fully self-fertile and have been selected for improved fruit size and quality. Grafted trees will produce earlier than seedling trees because they are propagated from branches of mature trees and therefore skip the juvenile stage.
Meader: A very hardy, self-fertile selection. Ripens Sept-Nov.
Early Golden: Sweet, dark orange fruits. Ripen early fall.
Nikita’s Gift: A hybrid Asian x American persimmon bred in the Ukraine that many say produces the best quality fruit of any astringent type persimmon. Like Asian persimmons, it produces large, ornamental fruits on a small tree, but is much hardier, surviving winter temps down to -10F. It has a shorter mature height than straight American, with a trees topping out at 12-15’. Hardy to zone 6b, but winter protection or a south-facing microclimate is recommended.
Flavor profile: Sweet, caramel, apricot, honey
Hardiness zone: Varies by cultivar, but generally does well in zones 5-8
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Adaptable, but prefers moist yet well-drained soil with pH 6-6.5
Mature height: 35-40’
Spacing: Varies by cultivar
Pollination: Most persimmon cultivars are self-fertile unless otherwise noted. Having a male persimmon planted nearby can help increase fruit production. Pollination by a male tree is also needed for persimmons to produce seeds.
Planting tips: Make sure your planting hole has good drainage by digging a large hole and stabbing the bottom and sides with a shovel so water can drain. Fill the hole with native soil to help water disperse evenly. Consistent watering is crucial for newly planted trees to help minimize transplant shock and establish strong roots.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California.
All Winter ‘25-’26 orders are for dormant, bare root plants and will be shipped or available for pick up in March-April ‘26.
(Diospyros virginiana)
American persimmon is a remarkable fruit tree native to eastern North America that produces small, sugary orange fruits which hang onto the tree like ornaments into late fall and early winter. The fruit is edible and super sweet, but must be allowed to completely soften to become caramel-like. It is excellent when processed and included in baked goods. This is also a great plant to support local wildlife as mature trees will produce more than enough late-season fruit for all to enjoy into the colder months when other food sources are scarce.
All of our persimmons are grafted on American persimmon rootstock. The cultivars we offer are partially or fully self-fertile and have been selected for improved fruit size and quality. Grafted trees will produce earlier than seedling trees because they are propagated from branches of mature trees and therefore skip the juvenile stage.
Meader: A very hardy, self-fertile selection. Ripens Sept-Nov.
Early Golden: Sweet, dark orange fruits. Ripen early fall.
Nikita’s Gift: A hybrid Asian x American persimmon bred in the Ukraine that many say produces the best quality fruit of any astringent type persimmon. Like Asian persimmons, it produces large, ornamental fruits on a small tree, but is much hardier, surviving winter temps down to -10F. It has a shorter mature height than straight American, with a trees topping out at 12-15’. Hardy to zone 6b, but winter protection or a south-facing microclimate is recommended.
Flavor profile: Sweet, caramel, apricot, honey
Hardiness zone: Varies by cultivar, but generally does well in zones 5-8
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Adaptable, but prefers moist yet well-drained soil with pH 6-6.5
Mature height: 35-40’
Spacing: Varies by cultivar
Pollination: Most persimmon cultivars are self-fertile unless otherwise noted. Having a male persimmon planted nearby can help increase fruit production. Pollination by a male tree is also needed for persimmons to produce seeds.
Planting tips: Make sure your planting hole has good drainage by digging a large hole and stabbing the bottom and sides with a shovel so water can drain. Fill the hole with native soil to help water disperse evenly. Consistent watering is crucial for newly planted trees to help minimize transplant shock and establish strong roots.
We are unable to ship this product outside the contiguous US or to California.
All Winter ‘25-’26 orders are for dormant, bare root plants and will be shipped or available for pick up in March-April ‘26.
