Fuyu Persimmon Tree Facts That You Haven't Heard Before!

Have you ever found a deep orange fruit with a flat top in the supermarket?

It's most likely to be a persimmon, the national fruit of Japan. This fruit is also often known as Fuyu persimmons, the scientific name being Diospyros kaki.

Other than being cultivated as a non-astringent fruit, this fast-growing tree is even known to have ebony timber. If you happen to have a persimmon tree in your neighborhood or in your garden, it would most likely be covered in a lot of fruits in late fall and through the winter.

In Japan, the persimmons are an extremely important part of their culture, and every winter, the fruit is relished by the people in every way possible.

So, keep reading if you also enjoy Fuyu persimmons or would like to know more about growing this beautiful plant.

Habitat Requirements Of Fuyu Persimmon Trees

In the USA, Fuyu persimmon trees are grown in zones between 7-11, and you are most likely to see a plant in Texas or Florida.

One of the great things about Fuyu persimmon trees is that after getting adapted to an area, it's pretty drought tolerant. So, the fruit trees can actually be grown in a number of areas that don't reach a temperature below 10°F (-12.2°C).

If you want your tree to thrive, plant it in a soil medium with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and let it sit under the full sun.

With the correct conditions, you can expect a tree to produce flowers during mid-April. Other than the produce, these deciduous trees are also known for their beautiful fall foliage, and during the winter months, you can see the Japanese persimmon fruits hanging from the bare branches.

Cultivation Process Of Fuyu Persimmon Trees

If you're thinking about cultivating a Fuyu persimmon tree, the best way to do so would be by purchasing a small plant from the nursery.

One of the best things about the Fuyu persimmon is that it's a pretty easy tree to grow, and the process isn't messy. If you are planting a sapling, do it in early spring or winter, based on the temperature and frost forecast of your area.

Moreover, you don't need to do a lot to fertilize the soil, as adding organic compounds and compost does the job pretty well.

Having said that, you have to give the tree ample area to spread its long taproot, which can become invasive for other plants in the area. The actual length of the root will vary based on a tree's height, which is typically between 12-15 ft (3.6-4.5 m).

Fuyu persimmon trees are known for growing fast, and a small plant can grow by 12 in (30 cm) every year. But a tree can take up to seven years to reach its full height.

As these trees have a deep taproot, it's best to transplant it early, or you can accidentally damage the root.

It can take two to three years for a Fuyu persimmon to bear fruit, but the good thing is that it's a self-pollinating plant. So, you wouldn't need to pollinate the male flowers with the female flowers manually.

Often, people wonder if they can grow a Fuyu persimmon tree from the seed. Well, like any other plant, it's possible, but you need to be very careful, as it has a low germination rate.

Still, you can try by choosing an unblemished mature fruit, collecting the seeds, and soaking them in warm water for three days. Then, plant the seeds in well-drained soil, and you may expect to see seedlings in six to eight weeks.

Taking care of Fuyu persimmon plants is pretty easy. You only need to water it during the spring and summer months, when there is a lack of moisture in the soil. Most plants will require anywhere between 36-48 in (91-121 cm) of water every year.

However, make sure to use loamy and well-draining soil to avoid overwatering. If you feel that the plant has failed to grow by 12 in (30 cm) in a year, sparingly feed it with an NPK 10-10-10 or 10-20-20 fertilizer for better growth. Don't overfertilize a tree as it may cause fruit drop.

Fruit Characteristics Of Fuyu Persimmon Trees

You can harvest the Fuyu or Japanese persimmon trees during October through November and December, and the persimmon is usually a deep orange fruit with a firm texture.

However, the ripe fruit is known for being extremely sweet. And, compared to other variants, Fuyu is a non-astringent persimmon, so it's perfect for cooking.

The typical Fuyu persimmons you will find in the supermarket are seedless fruit, making it easier to eat the beautiful and supple flesh. You will find persimmons to have a diameter of around 0.5-3.5 in (1.5-9 cm).

Health Benefits Of Persimmon Fruit

One of the best characteristics of Fuyu persimmons is that the fruits are rich in vitamin A and vitamin C, even more than an orange.

As we have said already, persimmon fruit trees have been grown in Japan for a long time, and the fruit is known for its myriad of benefits. The fruit is made up of a number of nutrients and phytochemicals.

Moreover, persimmons are loaded with dietary fibers needed to maintain good gut health. As you may know, astringent variants of persimmons are usually plucked before it gets ripe, and the firm fruits are often dried prior to being eaten.

In comparison, the Fuyu persimmons are cherished for their rich, soft flesh and their non-astringent taste.

It's not as astringent as other variants due to the presence of fewer tannins. These soft and bright fruits of fall are also rich in carotenoid antioxidants that are good for heart health.