How to Grow Persimmons from Seed (Complete Guide)

To grow a persimmon tree from seed, you need to put the seeds through an overwintering process to get them ready for planting. 

Next, you’ll need to plant the seed in an indoor pot in warm conditions.

Then, after about one and a half to two months, you must move the potted seedlings outdoors to a sunny spot.

Once the young tree has gone through a full growing season (approximately ninety days), transplant the tree into the ground.

In this article, we will cover how to prepare persimmon seeds for planting, how to plant persimmon seeds, and when and how to transplant persimmon trees into the ground.

How Do I Prepare Persimmon Seeds for Planting?

First, you will need to remove the persimmon seeds from the fruit. 

But just be sure to choose a completely ripe persimmon without any spots or cracks that may show that it has disease or insect damage.

Then, once removing the seeds from the fruit, let them soak for three days in warm water.

Next, rinse them off to remove any excess flesh.

Now you must create an artificial winter by folding the seeds into a moist paper towel and putting them into a glass jar in the fridge.

Leave the jar in your fridge for about three months, and be sure to maintain moisture on the paper towel by spritzing it with water when it dries out.

Once this period of artificial overwintering is over, you are ready to plant your persimmon seeds.

How Do I Plant Persimmon Seeds?

Use a tall container to plant your persimmon seeds because they develop long roots early on.

Plant the seeds about two inches deep into the soil and place the pot in a sunny location that is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

It’s a good idea at this stage to plant more than one seed at a time because only 25% to 35% of persimmon seeds will actually sprout.

But, if they do come through, your seedlings will appear in about six to eight weeks.

And, remember that during this time, you should keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Also, the plant should remain in bright sunlight at all times.

Finally, once the last frost is over, place the potted plant outside in a semi-shady spot and gradually move it into full sunlight over the course of two weeks.

Continue to water your persimmon weekly.

Overall, you should let the seedling stay outside in a sheltered, full sun environment within the pot for an entire growing season before transplanting it into the ground.

Read Also >> How to Grow Canna Lily from Seed

When Should I Transplant Persimmons into the Ground?

You should transplant persimmons from their pots into the ground after at least one entire growing season, which lasts about three months or ninety days.

The best time to plant your persimmon tree into the ground is in mid to late fall, which is during October or at the beginning of November.

Also, if you plant your persimmon after a thoroughly soaking rain, the roots will have a better ability to take hold.

Read Also >> How to Grow Magnolia Trees from Seeds

How Do I Plant My Persimmon Tree in the Ground?

First of all, be sure to select a spot that gives your persimmon at least twenty square feet of space so that it can thrive.

Then, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the long roots but make sure the tree is sufficiently aboveground to take in enough sunlight.

Additionally, remember that persimmon trees enjoy rich soil, so choose your spot accordingly. 

Afterward, immediately after planting, spread mulch around the persimmon tree’s base to encourage the root system to absorb lots of nutrients.

Lastly, be sure to feed your persimmon tree with mulch or compost every year to promote healthy growth and fruit production.

When Will My Persimmons Tree Produce Fruit?

For the most part, you can expect persimmon trees to begin to fruit about three to five years after you’ve planted them.

And most persimmon trees will produce about thirty-five to seventy-five fruits in a season, giving you plenty to eat. 

Persimmon trees are also long-lived if well cared for and can continue growing and producing fruit for seventy-five years.

Read Also >> How to Grow a Cherry Blossom Tree from Seed

Conclusion

Persimmon trees can make a fantastic addition to any orchard, homestead, or plain old backyard.

The fruit is sweet, and persimmon trees can produce an abundance of it within a season.

Overall, you’ll find that growing persimmon trees from seed is simple, but it takes multiple steps to be successful.

To grow persimmons, you must:

• Put the seeds through a cold process that mimics their natural overwintering, which you can accomplish by placing them in a moistened paper towel in the fridge.
• Plant them indoors in a warm sunny environment until the seedlings sprout after about six to eight weeks.
• Move the pots outdoors when the threat of frost is over.
• After an entire growing season, transplant your potted persimmon into the ground, ensuring plenty of space for the tree to grow.
• Continue to mulch your plant to give it plenty of nutrients. 

Now, you can enjoy your persimmon tree and its fruit for decades to come.