19 Best Persimmon Varieties for Your Garden
Do you love persimmons? You can occasionally find these seasonal tasty treats at grocery stores in the fall, or you can grow your own! In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 19 delicious varieties of persimmon you can grow in a sunny landscape.
![A close-up reveals a bountiful Diospyros virginiana fruit tree, adorned with vibrant orange fruits ready for harvest. The lush green leaves, intricately arranged on the branches, add to the tree's overall picturesque beauty. In the blurred background, additional green leaves create a harmonious natural setting.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Diospyros-virginiana-fruit-that-is-waiting-for-harvest-1200x667.jpg)
Contents
Persimmon trees are very easy to grow. You only need a location with full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map to ensure you can grow your chosen persimmon variety in your regional climate. Asian persimmons need mild to warmer climates to survive the winter, while the American persimmon will grow further north.
Persimmon trees provide year-round interest. These trees are spring blooming, with small, fragrant flowers. Although the flowers aren’t particularly showy, they still attract pollinators. Your plant will take many months to grow and ripen its fruits. After months of waiting, the fruits finally turn orange in the fall, and you can start harvesting your tasty crop. A single mature persimmon tree can produce hundreds of fruits per year!
If you’re ready to dig into the delicious world of persimmon trees, keep reading to learn more about 19 of the best varieties of persimmon you can grow.
American vs. Asian Persimmons
There are two species of persimmon native to North America: the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and the Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana). The American persimmon is much more common and widespread throughout the central and eastern United States. The Texas persimmon is limited to Texas and northeastern Mexico.
However, most of the persimmons commercially available for growing and eating are native to China and widely cultivated in Japan. The Asian persimmon, also commonly known as the Oriental persimmon, Chinese persimmon, or Japanese persimmon, is the species Diospyros kaki. From this species, many fabulous cultivars have been developed with varying fruit and tree characteristics.
Here are 19 lovely tree varieties for your orchard or landscape:
American Persimmon
![A close-up of American Persimmon with its green fruits, promising a flavorful harvest. Delicate branches gracefully support the growing bounty, while verdant green leaves provide a lush backdrop, enhancing the tree's visual appeal.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-healthy-pair-of-unripe-American-Persimmons.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros virginiana |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
height 30 – 80 feet |
|
hardiness zones 4 – 9 |
The American persimmon is native to the central and eastern United States. It typically grows as an understory tree in open woodlands or along sunny forest edges. While it can grow quite large, it typically remains a smaller tree. American persimmon is easy to grow and very attractive to wildlife, who will come to feast on the fall fruits.
These trees are generally dioecious, with separate male and female trees, although some trees can self-pollinate. The fruits measure two to three inches across and ripen in late fall. They are astringent until they are fully ripe and very soft. When they fall easily from the tree, they are at their sweetest. If you want to focus on native plants in your landscape, the American persimmon is a great option.
‘Chocolate’
![A cluster of glossy, light green Chocolate Persimmons glistens in the sunlight, showcasing their rich hues. The vibrant fruits dangle gracefully amid dried leaves, creating a picturesque autumnal scene. The combination of vibrant foliage and luscious fruit captures the essence of Chocolate Persimmon.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Chocolate-persimmons.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Chocolate’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 25 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 10 |
In case you were wondering, this variety doesn’t taste like chocolate. ‘Chocolate’ is a cultivar of the popular Asian persimmon. This non-astringent variety is self-fertile, so you only need one tree to grow your own fruits. The oblong fruits vaguely resemble giant acorns.
Ripening in October, the fruit skin turns deep orange, and the flesh turns brownish. These persimmons are sweet and delicious and make an excellent fruit-producing tree for your yard.
Date Plum Persimmon
![A close-up of a Date Plum Persimmon tree. The orange fruits, reminiscent of miniature pumpkins, adorn the branches, adding a warm touch to the scene. Delicate green leaves further enhance the visual appeal, creating a harmonious display of nature's splendor.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Persimmon-tree-with-ripe-orange-fruits-date-plums-in-autumn.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros lotus |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 50 – 60 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 9 |
The date plum persimmon is an entirely separate species from most of the Asian varieties. This species is native to the Caucasus region of Eurasia. These deciduous trees can grow rather large but typically remain around 30 feet. They have both ornamental value and edible fruits. Date plum persimmon fruits are very small compared to most Asian persimmons and have a sweet, jelly-like flesh.
These trees can be easily started from seed; each fruit contains several hard seeds. Wait until the fruits are fully ripe and soft before harvesting. Otherwise, they will be too astringent to eat.
‘Eureka’
![A close-up reveals vibrant orange Eureka Persimmons, hanging gracefully amid lush green leaves adorned with distinctive black spots. The branches, gracefully intertwined, showcase the tree's intricate structure, promising a bountiful harvest.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fall-season-ripe-kaki-on-branch.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Eureka’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 15 – 20 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 10 |
Savoring a ‘Eureka’ persimmon is, indeed, a “Eureka!” experience. These fruits, when fully ripe, are smooth and creamy with a sweet, honey-like flavor. The slightly flattened fruits are firm and become bright orange at peak ripeness.
‘Eureka’ trees are self-pollinating, but like many fruit trees, you can expect the best harvest when another variety is growing nearby. Harvest your fruits in late fall and enjoy them fresh from the tree, but be warned, the fruits of this variety will likely contain some seeds.
‘Fuyu’
![In the golden glow of direct sunlight, Fuyu Persimmons adorn the branches, showcasing their brilliant orange hue. The interplay of light and shadows accentuates the fruits' smooth texture, creating a visually captivating scene of nature's abundance.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fuyu-Persimmons-on-the-tree.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 20 – 30 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 11 |
The ‘Fuyu’ persimmon may possibly be the most widely grown and popular cultivar available. Why is it so popular? ‘Fuyu’ is easy to grow, low-maintenance, bears delicious fruits, and produces a large yield. What’s not to like about that?
The delicious non-astringent fruits are medium-sized and ripen late in the season. These trees are also self-fertile, so you’ll only need to plant one to get a good crop. The fruits are generally seedless, although you will sometimes find a seed or two in the fruits.
‘Fuyu Jiro’
![A close-up of Fuyu Jiro Persimmon reveals a vibrant orange fruit, radiating a luscious and inviting hue. Adorning the top are verdant green leaves, a picturesque contrast against the fruit's warm tones. Resting gracefully on a rough stone surface, it exudes rustic elegance.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Delicious-wild-Persimmon-Kaki-on-a-forest-rock.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Fuyu Jiro’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 15 feet |
|
hardiness zones 6 – 9 |
‘Fuyu Jiro’ is a small variety with a graceful form. These ornamental trees will add not only appeal to your landscape but a hefty load of sweet orange fruits. This Asian persimmon variety is non-astringent, so you can enjoy eating them fresh from the tree when they’re a little crunchy, or wait until they are fully mature and soft.
The fully ripe flesh is sweetly delicious with a jelly-like consistency. The mid-season ripening means your fruits will be ready to eat at the peak of fall, but you can safely leave them on the tree for a while and just enjoy their showy color!
‘Giant Fuyu’
![A close-up of the orange fruits of Giant Fuyu Persimmon glistening with the dew of freshly harvested perfection. Their radiant color hints at the succulent sweetness within, promising a delightful taste experience. This bounty of nature showcases the epitome of autumn's harvest.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-view-of-a-pile-of-giant-fuyu-persimmons.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Giant Fuyu’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 20 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 10 |
The ‘Giant Fuyu’ tree just might produce the largest persimmons you’ll ever see. Each fruit can grow over three inches across. ‘Giant Fuyu’ fruits are non-astringent and very sweet and delicious. The large and rounded fruits are loaded with classic persimmon flavor.
This variety is self-fertile, and a mature tree can produce 50 pounds of fruit in a single season! You can pick and eat these fruits straight off the tree or use them for cooking and preserves. If you’re looking for the biggest persimmons possible, then ‘Giant Fuyu’ is your tree.
‘Giombo’
![A vibrant orange Giombo Persimmon fruit takes center stage, its smooth skin glowing in the sunlight. Surrounding it, light green leaves create a harmonious contrast, while in the blurred background, dark greenery adds a serene backdrop to the scene.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Persimmon-hanging-on-the-tree.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Giombo’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 15 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 9 |
‘Giombo’ is an early-season variety, but don’t expect to see persimmons in the spring. Early season for persimmons means your fruits will ripen in early to mid-fall. The large, oblong fruits are smooth-skinned and beautifully dark orange at peak ripeness.
Don’t pick them too soon. You’ll need to wait until they are completely ripe and soft because the fruits are astringent if picked too early. ‘Giombo’ fruits have a relatively thin skin and smooth, juicy, jelly-like flesh.
‘Great Wall’
![Clusters of ripe orange fruits adorn the branches of the Great Wall Persimmon, showcasing nature's abundance. The glossy green leaves gracefully accompany the fruits, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the composition. Against a backdrop of blurred greenery, the scene exudes tranquility.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Persimmon-tree-with-many-persimmons-in-autumn.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Great Wall’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 15 – 20 feet |
|
hardiness zones 6 – 9 |
‘Great Wall’ is an early-season variety of Asian persimmon. These self-fertile trees will produce plenty of fruits alone but will have an even better crop when planted near another persimmon variety.
‘Great Wall’ is somewhat more cold-tolerant than many other Asian persimmons, so you may have some luck with this one down to zone 6. The medium-sized, astringent fruits develop a deliciously sweet flavor, turning reddish-orange when fully ripe.
‘Hachiya’
![A close-up captures the rich orange hue of a ripe Hachiya Persimmon, showcasing its succulent and sweet fruit. Surrounding the persimmon, slender branches gracefully extend, bearing the weight of this luscious harvest. Delicate green leaves provide a lush backdrop, adding to the visual appeal.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ripe-Hachiya-Persimmon-Diospyros-kaki.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Hachiya’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 15 feet |
|
hardiness zones 8 – 11 |
If you have ever seen Asian persimmons for sale at your local grocery store, there’s a good chance you’ve seen ‘Hachiya’. ‘Hachiya’ trees are vigorous and productive, making them highly ornamental and fruit-heavy.
The extra large fruits grow somewhat cone-shaped, and are typically seedless with soft and creamy flesh. You’ll need to wait until late in the season when they are deep orange and fully ripe because the unripened ‘Hachiyas’ are astringent. However, it’s worth the wait for the extra sweet late fall harvest!
‘Izu’
![A close-up of the Izu Persimmon tree reveals a bountiful display of orange fruits hanging gracefully from its branches. Each fruit dangles elegantly, creating a picturesque scene of nature's abundance. The leaves, with their deep green color, enhance the overall beauty of this thriving persimmon tree.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Japanese-persimmon-tree-with-ripe-fruits.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Izu’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 15 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 10 |
‘Izu’ is an early-season variety of Asian persimmon with beautiful, medium-sized fruits. These trees are self-fertile, so you won’t need to worry about cross-pollination with another tree.
‘Izu’ is a smaller variety that may be a bit slow to grow, but don’t worry; even smaller trees will have a good crop of lovely, rounded, bright orange fruits. This variety is non-astringent and can be eaten any time they turn orange, even if they’re still a bit crunchy, like an apple.
Japanese Persimmon
![A close-up captures the Japanese Persimmon tree, adorned with ripe, orange fruits. The branches gracefully extend, bearing the weight of the succulent harvest. The glossy green leaves add a lively contrast to the warm, autumnal scene.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Japanese-persimmon-tree-orange-ripe-fruits-kaki.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 20 – 30 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 10 |
The Japanese persimmon is the parent species that has given rise to most of the Asian persimmon cultivars. These trees are easy to grow and virtually trouble-free. They are attractive small trees with spectacular fruits and beautiful red fall foliage.
Grow a Japanese persimmon tree to turn your yard into an edible landscape with wildlife-friendly trees and plenty of curb appeal. The persimmons are round but slightly flattened and are generally astringent until they are fully ripe. When ripe and soft, they become immensely sweet and creamy.
‘Maekawa Jiro’
![A close-up of the Maekawa Jiro Persimmon tree showcases bountiful branches laden with luscious, orange fruits. Each fruit gleams with ripeness against the backdrop of vibrant green leaves. Beyond, other Maekawa Jiro Persimmon trees stand ready, promising a fruitful harvest.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Autumn-persimmon-farm.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Maekawa Jiro’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 12 – 15 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 11 |
The ‘Maekawa Jiro’ variety produces flattened, round fruits in great abundance. They are large and sturdy with vibrant orange skin. These non-astringent fruits are sweet and mild. They are delicious when eaten still firm or fully soft and ripe. These ornamental trees are self-fertile and will provide an exceptional harvest on a single tree.
‘Matsumoto’
![A close-up reveals the vibrant yellow clusters of ripe Matsumoto Persimmon fruits, glistening in sunlight. Surrounding them, lush green leaves provide a contrasting backdrop, creating a visually striking scene. In the blurred background, additional green leaves add depth to the composition.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Persimmon-Fruit-Persimmon-tree-with-many-persimmons.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Matsumoto’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 15 – 20 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 9 |
‘Matsumoto’ trees produce an abundance of non-astringent fruits. You can look forward to a heavy, mid-season production of large, slightly flattened, round fruits.
Your crop will be ready to harvest between mid and late fall. You can just leave the fruits on the tree until you are ready to eat them. Earlier harvests will be crunchier but still sweet, and later harvests will provide extra sweet, jelly-like fruits with vibrant, deep orange skin.
‘Morris Burton’
![A close-up showcases the Morris Burton Persimmon tree adorned with clusters of ripe orange fruits, creating a warm and inviting scene. The branches are gracefully draped with abundant green leaves, providing a picturesque display of nature's beauty. The overall composition exudes the essence of a fruitful harvest.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Japanese-persimmon-tree-kaki-with-fruits.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros virginiana ‘Morris Burton’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 30 – 60 feet |
|
hardiness zones 5 – 9 |
‘Morris Burton’ is a cultivar of the native North American species. This medium-sized tree grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s more cold-hardy than the Asian persimmon varieties and can be easily grown in a variety of landscapes.
‘Morris Burton’ produces an abundance of small, vibrantly orange fruits each fall. Leave these astringent fruits on the tree until they are completely soft, and then enjoy their sweet honey-like flavor fresh or as preserves and jams.
‘Saijo’
![A cluster of bare branches extends gracefully, showcasing the intricate network of twigs against a muted background. The dark orange Saijo Persimmon fruits dangle delicately, promising a sweet harvest, capturing nature's seasonal transition.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Japanese-persimmon-on-a-tree-in-winter-Kyoto.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Saijo’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 15 – 20 feet |
|
hardiness zones 6 – 9 |
‘Saijo’ persimmons are both beautiful and very tasty. The oblong oval-shaped fruits are astringent until fully ripe. Then, harvest the fruits for a deliciously sweet and honey-like flavor that you can eat fresh, baked, or preserved.
Enjoy an early to mid-season harvest, and be prepared for many fruits. The vigorous ‘Saijo’ variety is self-pollinating and can bear heavy crops.
‘Tanenashi’
![Two plump Tanenashi Persimmon fruits glisten with moisture, hinting at their succulence. The vibrant green leaves and branches create a lush backdrop, framing the fruits in a picturesque arrangement that conveys the vitality and freshness of the persimmon tree.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A-close-up-of-Ripe-Japanese-persimmon-Fruits-on-a-tree-.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros kaki ‘Tanenashi’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 15 – 20 feet |
|
hardiness zones 7 – 9 |
‘Tanenashi’ is a vigorous cultivar that makes a very ornamental landscaping tree. It is moderately productive and self-pollinating, able to produce plenty of beautifully colored fruits. These persimmons start out green, then become a beautiful yellow before finally fully ripening into a deep yellow-orange hue.
‘Tanenashi’ fruits are astringent, so you’ll need to wait until they become fully ripe and soft before harvesting. Since the rounded, conical fruits are long-lasting on the tree, you’ll have plenty of time to admire them before enjoying their rich, sweet flavor.
‘Triumph’
![A close-up reveals the vibrant Triumph Persimmon tree laden with succulent orange fruits, gleaming in the sunlight. Each fruit, with its smooth skin and plump shape, promises a sweet and satisfying taste. The slender branches gracefully support the abundance of nature's bounty.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Persimmon-tree-and-bright-orange-persimmons.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros virginiana ‘Triumph’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 10 – 15 feet |
|
hardiness zones 8 – 11 |
The ‘Triumph’ cultivar comes from the native North American species, but it was developed to grow in warmer climates. It is an excellent choice for hot and humid climates. These smaller trees are highly productive, producing a heavy crop of astringent fruits.
The persimmons are small and deep reddish-orange; they will look great remaining on the tree until they are fully ripe, soft, and sweet. The flesh will become pure orange and somewhat translucent at peak ripeness for a deliciously tasty treat.
‘Yates’
![A close-up captures the enticing allure of Yates Persimmon, showcasing its radiant orange fruit, a perfect blend of sweetness and visual appeal. Surrounding the fruit, lush green leaves provide a striking contrast, adding to the overall beauty of the tree. Nature's artistry is vividly displayed in this harmonious composition.](https://www.epicgardening.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Persimmon-khaki-fruit-in-the-field-tree-with-leafs.jpg)
|
botanical name Diospyros virginiana ‘Yates’ |
---|---|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
height 20 – 25 feet |
|
hardiness zones 4 – 9 |
‘Yates’ is a wonderfully cold-tolerant cultivar of the native American species. These small to medium-sized trees are showy and produce an abundance of edible fruits. ‘Yates’ fruits are astringent, so allow them to ripen into sweet, dark orange perfection before trying to eat one.
These trees are self-fertile, so you won’t need to worry about growing another tree nearby, but you certainly can help increase production and add some variation to your edible landscape. ‘Yates’ produces somewhat small persimmons with glowing orange skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you eat a persimmon?
The skin and flesh are both edible, so you can just bite right in. When the fruits are extra soft and custard-like, some people like to slice them in half and scoop out the insides with a spoon. You do not need to peel a persimmon before eating it. Some persimmons have a few large, hard seeds; others are seedless. You won’t want to eat the seeds, but you can plant them and grow new persimmon trees!
When will my persimmon tree start bearing fruits?
Assuming you started with a nursery-grown young plant, your tree is already a couple of years old. Most persimmon trees will start producing fruits two or three years after planting. The first few years your tree produces fruit, you can expect a very small crop, but after a few years of light harvests, get ready for some occasionally very large harvests. Not every tree will produce a jumbo-sized crop every year, but most persimmon trees will produce plenty of perfectly edible fruits! A tree grown from seed can take anywhere from seven to ten years to start producing fruits.
How can I protect my persimmons from the squirrels?
Unfortunately, hungry squirrels can be a real nuisance for fruit tree growers. Since squirrels will try to chew through almost anything you try to cover your trees with, the best way to overcome squirrels is to plant enough trees to share some of your fruits. You may find that some years, you’ll get to eat and enjoy all your fruits, and other years, you’ll have one particularly pesky squirrel that steals all the fruits. You can also try spraying the fruits with a hot pepper spray, but you’ll have to reapply this after each rain.
Final Thoughts
If you live in a persimmon-friendly climate and want one of the most trouble-free fruit trees around, try growing one in your yard. With so many cultivars to choose from, you really can’t go wrong. Your biggest decision may be whether to try growing an astringent or non-astringent variety.
Any persimmon tree you grow will eventually produce heavy crops of delicious fruits. You’ll just need to wait until the fruits are completely ripe before eating the astringent varieties. Persimmons are beautiful trees that will liven up your yard all year long but have the most impressive curb appeal in the fall, with spectacular fall foliage and branches laden with delicious, vibrant orange fruits!