How to Cultivate Japanese Persimmon Trees From Seed in 8 Easy Steps

With so many persimmon varieties available, you may wonder why cultivating a Japanese persimmon tree from seed is an attractive option. The answer is simple: it’s cost-effective, plus the tree has a unique flavor and texture that sets it apart from other varieties.

Let’s have a look at eight easy steps to follow to cultivate Japanese persimmon trees from seed:

Table of Contents

How to Grow Japanese Persimmon From Seed

1. Seed Collection

Harvest ripe Japanese persimmons from a mature tree and scrape off the pulp. Place the seeds in warm water to remove any remaining pulp, then dry them on paper towels.

2. Soaking

Put the dried seeds into water and soak them for 24 hours to soften their hard outer coating.

3. Germination

Spread the seeds out on a damp paper towel and keep it in a warm place. Depending on the temperature, you should start to see germination within 6 to 8 weeks.

4. Potting

Choose a potting mix made up of equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Sow two or three seeds 2″ deep in each pot and cover them lightly with the mix.

5. Watering

Keep the soil moist but not soggy. It’s best to water from below with a tray of water, as this prevents any fertilizer from settling on the leaves.

6. Fertilizer

Once the plants are a year old, start fertilizing them every other week with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at half strength.

7. Pruning

Prune the persimmon tree when it’s still young (3 feet tall), to encourage healthy branching and strong structure. Look for dead, weak, or crossing limbs and cut them off—thin out new shoots where necessary.

8. Harvesting

Once your Japanese persimmon tree is mature, you can start harvesting its fruits in Sep or Nov. The fruit should be orange-red in color and slightly soft to the touch. Enjoy your delicious crop!

Following these eight simple steps will ensure that you have a healthy, productive Japanese persimmon tree.

Conclusion

We hope this guide on how to grow Japanese persimmon from seed has been informative and helpful! Growing persimmon trees is a fruitful experience that can provide you with a lifetime of delicious fruit. With just a little bit of effort, you can enjoy sweet and juicy Japanese persimmons every season.

So, start planning your garden today – it’s never too late to begin cultivating your Japanese persimmon trees!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are Japanese persimmons also called Asian persimmons?

The name “Asian persimmon” is often used interchangeably with the term Japanese persimmon. This is because both terms refer to trees of the species Diospyros kaki, which originated in Japan and China.

How to grow Asian Persimmon from seed?

The steps for growing Asian persimmons from seed are the same as for Japanese persimmons. Specifically, you will need to harvest ripe fruits, scrape off the pulp, soak the seeds in water, spread them on damp paper towels and keep it in a warm place until germination happens (6-8 weeks) and the rest of the process is also the same.

How long does it take to grow Japanese persimmon from seed?

How long to grow Japanese persimmon from seed will depend on the growing conditions. However, it’s typically around 3-5 years from planting to fruit production. After one year of growth, you can expect your tree to reach at least 2 to 3 feet in height. As the tree matures over time, your persimmon crop should become larger and more abundant.

Do we need to pollinate a Japanese persimmon tree?

In most cases, no. Japanese persimmon trees are self-fertile and do not require external pollination to set fruit. However, if your tree is isolated from other varieties of persimmon trees, you may need to hand pollinate to ensure a good yield.

How deep should I plant the seed?

It is best to plant the seed no more than two inches deep in the soil. Doing so will help ensure good drainage and prevent your seed from becoming water-logged or suffocated by too much moisture. Moreover, planting the seed at a shallow depth provides more exposure to sunlight, which is needed for germination.