Persimmon Trees
Persimmons
(Diospyros kaki)
Persimmon trees are an impressive and beautiful specimen, with some varieties reaching up to 7m tall. Their leaves colour beautifully in autumn, making them a lovely tree to have in the garden, if you have the space for them.
They should be planted in good quality, nutrient rich soil with excellent drainage. Regular fertilising and careful watering will help them thrive. As the trees are quite large, they’re best in the ground, though some varieties (like the Jiro) can be kept in large pots or containers, with proper maintenance.
The fruit, sometimes referred to as ‘kaki’ fruit, falls into one of two categories: Astringent and Non-Astringent.
Astringent persimmons must be completely ripe before eating them, otherwise they’ll be rather bitter and unpleasant. They can be picked and left to ripen further for a few days until soft. The flavour is typically very sweet, often compared to maple syrup or honey-like.
Non-astringent persimmons tend to be a little more squat in shape. They also lose their bitterness much sooner and can be eaten when they’re still reasonably firm. Their flavour is sweet, but much more mellow in the same way a rock melon or sugarcane might be.
The fruit tends to be mostly seedless, but any seeds are relatively small. They can be self-fruitful, but having another tree nearby may sometimes help.
For some great information on growing persimmons in NSW, check out the NSW Department of Primary Industries Agriculture Facts guide.
Fullsize Varieties
$80
In stock now!
Max Height: 3 – 6m
- Dai Dai Maru (sold out)
- Fuyu
- Jiro
- Nightingale
- Suruga (sold out)
Persimmon Variety Information
Click on the names below for more details about our persimmon range, as well as pollination information.
Dai Dai Maru Persimmon (Astringent) Information
The Dai Dai Maru persimmon tree can grow anywhere from 2 – 5m tall, depending on conditions. The fruit is medium-sized and pretty round in shape with a deep orange skin that can take on a bit of a red blush.
As an astringent persimmon, it should only be eaten once completely ripe, otherwise the flavour will be quite bitter and unpleasant.
They can be picked and left to ripen further off the tree for a few days before eating which will result in a very sweet and juicy flavour.
Fruit ripens: April – June
Type: Astringent
Cross Pollinators: Self-pollinating
Fuyu Persimmon (Non-Astringent) Information
The Fuyu persimmon is one of the most well-known of these fruits. The tree itself is beautiful and the fruit is very popular. The fruit is round and slightly flat at times. The skin is a smooth and shiny orange colour, while the inner flesh is similar in colour, though sometimes a little paler.
As a non-astringent persimmon, the fruit is typically eaten when the flesh is firm, yet has a bit of give. The flavour is relatively sweet.
Fruit ripens: April – June
Type: Non-Astringent
Cross Pollinators: Self-pollinating
Jiro Persimmon (Non-Astringent) Information
Jiro persimmons are another popular type of non-astringent persimmon. The tree is usually known to be a little smaller than other persimmon varieties, sometimes growing from 2 – 4m tall only. It’s not a true semi-dwarf tree, but is often referred to that way.
The fruit is round and relatively flat or squat. It has a smooth orange skin and firm inner flesh that’s a similar orange colour.
As a non-astringent fruit, it can be eaten while still firm, though the flesh should still have a bit of give to it. The flavour is mellow and sweet.
Fruit ripens: April – June
Type: Non-Astringent
Cross Pollinators: Self-pollinating
Nightingale Persimmon (Astringent) Information
Nightingale trees can be on the smaller side of persimmon trees, growing from 3 – 5m tall, depending on the conditions. The fruit is medium to large with a distinct heart or conical shape to it. The skin and flesh are a deep orange colour, with a soft almost jelly-like texture once ripe.
As an astringent persimmon, it should only be eaten once completely ripe, otherwise the flavour will be quite bitter and unpleasant.
They can be picked and left to ripen further off the tree for a few days before eating which will result in a very sweet and juicy flavour.
Fruit ripens: April – June
Type: Astringent
Cross Pollinators: Self-pollinating
Suruga Persimmon (Non-Astringent) Information
Suruga is a lush, vigorous tree that can grow anywhere from 2 – 5m tall, in the right conditions. The fruit is small to medium in size and is round and relatively flat. The skin and flesh are a notably deep red-orange colour when ripe.
As a non-astringent fruit, it can be eaten while still firm, though the flesh should still have a bit of give to it.
Despite its smaller size, Suruga is considered to be the sweetest non-astringent persimmon, with excellent flavour.
Fruit ripens: April – June
Type: Non-Astringent
Cross Pollinators: Self-pollinating