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Persimmon

Diospyros kaki

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €36.

Illustration of Persimmon
An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A small, round-headed tree with glossy leaves that turn orange-red in autumn, while the orange fruit hangs on decoratively long after leaf fall. Most varieties sold for gardens set fruit without pollination, so one tree is enough, but a few crop more heavily or lose their astringency only with a pollination partner, so ask when you buy. Give it a sunny, warm spot out of the wind, and let the fruit of astringent varieties soften fully or ripen off the tree.

Watch out for
In Central Europe it is borderline hardy. Established older trees take roughly -15 to -18 °C, but young ones are much more tender and their shoots and trunk can be damaged at around -10 to -12 °C. For the first years mulch the base, wrap the trunk and plant it in a sheltered, south-facing spot; whitewashing the trunk in autumn helps against frost cracks. Late spring frosts can take the young growth and flowers. The fruit ripens late, in October and November, and in cooler areas it does not always finish before the first frosts, while fallen overripe fruit makes a mess.

Key facts

Light
Full sun
Water need
Medium
Care
Low
Size after 10 years
4 m × 3 m
Hardiness
down to -18 °C
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
May–July, white, pink
Group Fruit
Light Full sun
Size after 10 years 4 m × 3 m
Ultimate size 6–12 m × 4.5–9 m
Hardiness down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage Deciduous
Flowering May–July, white, pink
Harvest October–November
Self-fertile yes
Water need Medium
Drought tolerance Medium
Maintenance Low
Root aggressiveness Low
Suckering yes
Spreading Low
Distance from buildings at least 2 m
Distance from paving at least 0.5 m
Litter Fruit
Planting distance 500 cm
For dogs no data
For cats no data
For children no data
Typical price from about €36

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size
Typical price
6/8 cm trunk girth approx. €40
size not stated approx. €36

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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