Jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins may dominate October, but the fruit I most associate with fall is the persimmon. Growing up, we had a large persimmon tree in our backyard, and by Halloween its leaves had mostly dropped, leaving bright orange fruit hanging from the branches like ornaments.
Persimmons are becoming increasingly common in grocery store produce departments. Whether the native American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) or the Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki), these trees are well adapted to much of the South. Native persimmons range from the Gulf Coast north into New England and west to Texas and Kansas. These long-lived trees typically reach heights of 30 to 50 feet, though some specimens have been measured at more than 80 feet tall. They are also more cold-hardy than Asian persimmons, which are generally better suited to warmer climates. Both produce fruit that is botanically classified as a berry, ripening to a characteristic orange to reddish-orange color between September and November.
Persimmons belong to the ebony family and are grown primarily for their fruit. Although native persimmons produce flavorful fruit, their small size, short shelf life and harvesting challenges have largely limited their use to wildlife. Deer, along with many other animals, eagerly consume ripe persimmons each fall.
Persimmon fruit are classified as either astringent or non-astringent. Astringent varieties must be fully ripe before eating. Anyone who has bitten into an unripe persimmon knows the puckering sensation it can cause. All native persimmons are astringent, while Asian persimmons may be either astringent or non-astringent. Many of the firm, ready-to-eat persimmons found in supermarkets are non-astringent Asian varieties.
Native persimmons are usually dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate trees. Pollination generally improves fruit production, although some female trees can produce seedless fruit without it. Depending on the variety, Asian persimmons may be self-fertile, require cross-pollination or produce fruit without pollination.
Persimmons are relatively low-maintenance fruit trees once established. Plant trees during the dormant season in a site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Young trees benefit from regular irrigation during dry periods, particularly during their first two to three years in the landscape. Applying a 2- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the tree helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds and moderate soil temperatures. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can promote vigorous shoot growth at the expense of fruit production. Pruning needs are generally limited to removing dead, damaged or crossing branches and developing a strong branch structure in young trees.
Persimmon trees tolerate a wide range of soil conditions but perform best in full sun and well-drained soils. Trees grown from seed will likely not produce trees true to type, possibly result in male trees, or may take four to eight years to bear fruit. Grafted trees are preferred for planting to ensure the tree is true to type. They often begin producing in about three years. Both native and Asian persimmons are generally free of serious insect and disease problems in Louisiana.
Asian persimmon fruit range from 1.5 to 4 inches in diameter and vary from rounded to heart-shaped or oblong. Native persimmons are much smaller, typically 1 to 2 inches across, and contain several relatively large seeds. Both types readily reproduce from seed, so volunteer seedlings are common beneath fruiting trees.
Beyond their fruit, persimmons make attractive landscape trees. Their glossy green foliage turns yellow to orange in fall, and colorful fruit often remains on the branches after the leaves drop. The fruit provides food for deer, raccoons, opossums, songbirds and other wildlife.
I am fairly confident the persimmon tree from my childhood was the Asian variety ‘Saijo.’ Every fall I admire the bright orange fruit hanging from the bare branches of that old tree. While I am not a big fan of eating persimmons fresh, they are excellent in breads, puddings and other desserts. Whether grown for fruit, wildlife value or ornamental appeal, persimmons are easy-to-grow trees that deserve a place in Louisiana home landscapes and backyard orchards.
