How to Grow Persimmon in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Persimmon rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$5-10/kg. Low-maintenance tree that produces for decades.
This guide covers when to plant Persimmon in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Persimmon is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Fuyu
Non-astringent. Eat while still firm like an apple. The most popular home garden variety.
Try: Daleys, Flemings, Bunnings
Hachiya
Astringent. Must be completely soft before eating. Intensely sweet when ripe. Classic baking persimmon.
Try: Daleys, Flemings
Nightingale
Non-astringent Australian selection. Sweet, compact tree. Good for smaller gardens.
Try: Daleys, Flemings
Position and Soil
Give Persimmon full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+, though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Persimmon into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 500 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Diospyros kaki. Deciduous tree with spectacular autumn foliage and sweet orange fruit. Two types: astringent (must be fully soft-ripe before eating) and non-astringent (can eat while still firm). Needs winter chill, so best from Sydney south. Very ornamental tree. Plant bare-root in winter.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 6 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Fruit fly, Birds and Possums. The main diseases to watch are Few. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Persimmon is typically ready to harvest within roughly 49 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Fuyu: bench until ripe, then fridge 1 week. Hachiya: ripen fully on bench. Freeze pulp.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, persimmon is good fuyu sliced and eaten fresh like apple, hachiya used in puddings and baking, dried as hoshigaki (traditional Japanese method) and added to salads with goat cheese. Nutritionally: very high in vitamin A and rich in manganese and potassium.
Companion Planting
Persimmon grows well alongside Fruit trees. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Persimmon Growing
Add persimmon to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Persimmon in Australia?
Persimmon is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Persimmon take to grow?
Persimmon is generally ready to harvest within roughly 49 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Persimmon need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Persimmon in the Plant Library
