Growing persimmon trees from seed is a rewarding, albeit lengthy, process. While it's less reliable than purchasing a grafted tree, it offers the unique satisfaction of nurturing a tree from its very beginning. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, addressing common questions and potential challenges.
What Kind of Persimmons Can You Grow From Seed?
This is a crucial first step. You can grow both American persimmons ( Diospyros virginiana) and Asian persimmons ( Diospyros kaki) from seed. However, the results differ significantly. American persimmons are generally more cold-hardy and easier to grow from seed, producing fruit reliably even without grafting. Asian persimmons, known for their larger and sweeter fruits, are more challenging. Seeds from Asian persimmon trees often produce variable results, and the fruit might not be true to the parent tree's characteristics. You might get smaller, less sweet fruit, or even a tree that produces inedible fruit.
How Long Does it Take for a Persimmon Tree Grown From Seed to Produce Fruit?
This is a frequently asked question, and the answer varies. American persimmon trees grown from seed may start producing fruit within 5-10 years, although it can take longer. Asian persimmon trees, however, can take significantly longer, sometimes 10-20 years or more to bear fruit, and there's no guarantee of the fruit quality.
How to Start Persimmon Seeds Indoors
Starting your persimmon seeds indoors gives them a head start. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Collect Seeds: Gather ripe persimmons and extract the seeds. Clean them thoroughly, removing any remaining fruit pulp.
- Stratification: Persimmon seeds require stratification – a period of cold, moist storage – to break dormancy. This mimics the natural winter conditions. Mix the seeds with slightly moist sand or vermiculite in a sealable container and store them in the refrigerator (around 35-40°F) for 60-90 days.
- Sowing: After stratification, sow the seeds in seed-starting mix in small pots or seed trays. Cover them lightly with soil.
- Germination: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Germination can take several weeks to months. Place the pots in a warm, sunny location.
- Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, transplant them into larger containers.
How to Plant Persimmon Seeds Outdoors
While starting indoors is recommended, you can also sow seeds directly outdoors in the fall.
- Seed Preparation: Prepare the seeds as described above (cleaning and optionally stratifying).
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into well-prepared soil in a sunny location. Cover lightly with soil.
- Protection: Protect the seeds from birds and other animals. Mulching around the area can help retain moisture and protect the seeds.
How to Care for Young Persimmon Seedlings
Young persimmon trees need consistent care:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- Sunlight: Provide ample sunlight. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly during the growing season.
- Protection: Protect young seedlings from frost, strong winds, and pests.
What are the challenges of growing persimmons from seed?
Growing persimmons from seed presents several challenges:
- Long time to fruiting: As mentioned, it can take many years before you see fruit.
- Fruit variability: The fruit produced may not be the same as the parent tree.
- Gender: Persimmon trees are either male or female, and you need a female tree for fruit production. You might end up with a male tree that doesn't bear fruit. Some varieties are self-fertile, meaning they don't require a separate male tree for pollination. However, even self-fertile trees may need a pollinator nearby to maximize fruit set. If you want to ensure fruit production, you may need to plant multiple trees.
Are persimmons grown from seed the same as the parent tree?
No, persimmons grown from seed are not genetically identical to the parent tree. They'll likely have different characteristics, including fruit size, shape, taste, and ripening time. This is why grafting is preferred for maintaining specific desirable traits.
By following this guide and understanding the challenges involved, you can successfully grow persimmon trees from seed. Remember, patience is key. While it might take years, the reward of nurturing a tree from seed to fruit is unmatched.
