Many people grow persimmons to enjoy them fresh for breakfast or as a light snack. They can also be sliced into winter salads or pureed for use in ice creams.
If you’re planning to grow a persimmon tree and want to know when it starts fruiting, why it may fail to produce fruit, and other important details, continue reading this guide.
When Do Persimmon Trees Start Fruiting?
Persimmon trees usually begin producing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting.
However, some grafted varieties may bear fruit just one year after planting.
Certain types may take 5 to 7 years to start fruiting.
Persimmon flowers bloom in late spring. After flowering, the blossoms drop and the fruits begin to grow, reaching full ripeness in early fall.
Reasons Why a Persimmon Tree May Not Fruit
1. Pollination
Persimmon trees are rarely self-pollinating. Most trees produce either male or female flowers.
However, some Oriental varieties can produce fruit without cross-pollination.
Depending on the variety you have, you may need to plant two or more trees to ensure proper pollination and fruit set.
2. Temperature
Persimmon trees are sensitive to cold. Temperatures below –17°C can severely damage the tree and harm young buds.
On the other hand, extreme heat and drought also negatively affect tree growth and fruit production.
3. Soil Drainage
Persimmons should be planted in well-draining soil.
Standing water around the roots can stress the tree and reduce fruit yield.
When Should Persimmon Fruits Be Harvested?
Here are the signs of ripeness:
- Most persimmon varieties become edible only when very soft.
The fruit should turn from green to pinkish-red, and feel so soft that it nearly bursts when gently pressed.
Ripe persimmons often appear slightly wrinkled. - Astringent persimmons should be harvested when the skin becomes extremely soft and almost translucent—usually from October to January.
- Fruits can also be collected after they fall naturally, which is typical for American persimmons.
- Non-astringent persimmons should be picked once they turn orange-pink or red, typically in September or October.
Note: Use pruning shears to cut the fruit along with the top calyx crown to delay spoilage.
