Persimmons

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Persimmon fruits

Persimmons

Persimmons are outstanding fruit trees for the backyard. They don’t grow too big, they produce abundant, sweet, juicy fruit, and in autumn their leaves turn a magnificent deep orange, through to burgundy or purple. In Australia they are not as popular as they should be, because until recently the only varieties available were astringent ones. Even when the fruit from these types looks ripe, it still contains water-soluble tannins which give it a very bitter, sometimes furry taste. It needs to be eaten when it’s soft and mushy, almost like jam! The good news is that there are now some excellent non-astringent varieties available which are crisp and sweet, and can be eaten straight from the tree.

Plant details

Common name: Persimmon
Botanic name: Diospyros kaki

Description:

Deciduous tree from 3 to 13 metres (10-43′) tall, often with a twisted trunk and a thick, well-branched canopy. In autumn the foliage display is spectacular. The fruit is large and a deep orange or red colour when ripe. Both astringent and non-astringent varieties are available.

Varieties:

There are three non-astringent persimmons available to home gardeners. Fuyu is the most commonly grown, and it produces well coloured, sweet fruit. Less well-known are Izu, a semi-dwarf tree which crops well, and Suruga, which has very sweet reddish fruit.

The best astringent varieties are Hachiya, a medium sized tree with sweet juicy fruit, and Flat Seedless, a large vigorous tree with seedless, pale fruit.

Best climate: Persimmons will grow anywhere in Australia. In inland areas they must have adequate water. They fruit on new season’s growth, so in colder areas they also need protection from early frosts.

Good points:

adaptable, hardy tree beautiful autumn colour delicious, rich, sweet fruit – particularly the non-astringent varieties

Downside:

The fruit is very attractive to flying foxes and parrots. Netting may be required. Queensland fruit fly can be a problem, so a control program is necessary in some areas.

Care:

Persimmons prefer an open, sunny positon. Water well during summer when the fruit is forming. Organic matter and mulch are very beneficial. Once established apply a general fruit tree fertiliser in spring and autumn. Prune after fruiting to cut out any dead wood. Protect from strong wind and frosts.

Getting started:

Persimmons are widely available at nurseries. Prices vary from $20-$40 for a 1 metre (3′) high, 1-2 year old grafted tree.