Gardeners are buying Persimmon Trees, including the popular Fuyu, (a non-astringent variety) trees both ornamental for use as trees as well as for the fruit.
With great autumn color they make a nice small to medium feature tree.
Persimmon fruit is used widely in cooking. ‘Nightingale’ and the ‘Dai Dai Maru’ are astringent types and on this type the fruit needs to be really ripe before it is edible.
A number of varieties are available for sale online.
Jiro Dwarf And Fuyu Dwarf are two of the best dwarf varieties well suited for growing in pots or containers. If you are looking for lots of large fruit perhaps try Nightingale.
Growing conditions, care and pruning
A slow growing deciduous medium sized tree that can reach around 5 – 7 m in height depending on conditions. Persimmons grow well in a sunny position in a well drained humus rich soil with shelter from strong winds, if you are growing them for ornamental trees try giving them a little space, they grow naturally to a nice shape and are best shown off this way. Remember that good drainage is essential.
Pruning
When young they are best pruned in winter try to achieve an open centre and a balanced tree, generally a tree that is pruned to form a good shape when young will need very little pruning as it matures. After 4 – 5 years they require little to no pruning other than removal of dead and damaged wood, however some tip pruning to encourage a branching habit can make them look great.
Many people grow them in a lawn as an ornamental, like most fruit trees they are best planted when dormant. Dig in some well rotted compost and aged manure 3 -4 weeks before planting and water in with a liquid seaweed fertilizer. Mulch in spring after fertilizing with a general purpose fertilizer.
Persimmon Trees – Summary Information
- Sunny position
- Open space as they like to spread and are attractive
- Train to a central leader
- Prune when young
- Fruit can be thinned to produce larger fruits
- Tip prune to promote a good bushy habit
- Protect from strong winds
Origins and other Notes
Grown both for fruit as well as an ornamental, originally from China they are a small tree to around 5m. They will grow in many areas of Australia and with attractive foliage, wonderful autumn colour and fruits that stay on the tree well into winter are a year round attraction.
From the cultivar or variety names the Chinese origin become evident, Persimmon Hyakumo with its large round fruit has wonderful tasting fruit. Dai Dai Maru is the variety most often seen in markets, distinctive with its squarish shape which it shares with Fuyu, and Tanenashi is a mid season variety.
In Tasmania look for Nightingale, it grows well in cooler climates.
Persimmon Trees are available for sale from the following online and retail nurseries
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees.
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au
Lot 522 Pavans Access Grassy Head NSW 2441
Fruit trees specialising in avocados, custard apples, cherimoyas, persimmons and pomegranates. Online sales and wholesale.
www.treegrowers.com.au
Carey Gully, Adelaide Hills.
Family run business selling advanced ornamental trees including 9 varieties of Crepe Myrtle, Maple, Birch, Ash, Ginko, Crab Apple, Ornamental Plum, Weeping Cherry, Oak & Chinese Tallow. Wholesale prices to the public.
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au