Persimmon
diospyros kaki
Also known as: ["Japanese Persimmon","Kaki"]
Overview
A deciduous tree known for its bright orange fruit, native to China and widely cultivated for its edible persimmons.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Botanical Name: | Diospyros kaki |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in temperate climates, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy, depending on tree size and age.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); adjust in extreme heat to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; provide shade during peak summer heat; ensure proper placement based on light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in intense summer sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, every 14–21 days in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid waterlogging roots.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; avoid compacted soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–85°F (15–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers moderate temperatures.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced fertilizer
Fertilize before new growth; water before applying; follow label instructions.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or grafting onto rootstock.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting, apply hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, warm temperatures (70–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent material; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts, heading back, selective branch removal.
Pruning Plan
Shape tree, remove dead/diseased wood, encourage fruiting branches.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, make clean cuts, remove crossing branches, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove old soil, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining mix, ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill container; essential for container-grown trees.
Checklist
Check root bound status, trim roots, use fresh soil, ensure drainage holes.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone, apply slowly to avoid runoff, ensure water penetrates deeply, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, bud abortion, chlorosis, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or bud damage; prolonged cold can harm roots.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth in winter; ensure good air circulation; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced fruit set; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH, use correct dilution, apply evenly, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; reduce in late summer; avoid over-fertilizing.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest unripe Diospyros kaki fruit. The tannins in the fruit can cause discomfort, though ripe fruit is less problematic.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten unripe
Dogs
Slightly ToxicUnripe Diospyros kaki fruit can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to its high tannin content. Ripe fruit is generally safe in moderation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten unripe
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe unripe fruit of Diospyros kaki contains high levels of tannins, which can cause digestive discomfort and irritation upon ingestion. The ripening process reduces tannin levels, making ripe fruit safe for consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten unripe
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know when a persimmon is ripe?
A: The fruit should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
Q: Can persimmons be grown in containers?
A: Yes, they can be grown in large containers, but they may require more maintenance.
Q: Are persimmons self-pollinating?
A: Some varieties are self-pollinating, while others require a pollinator.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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