How to Grow a Persimmon Tree from a seed.

My Persimmons sprouted and do very well so far. I keep them in small pots right now.
Actually, it`s not hard to grow it from a seed.
As usual, you should pick a ripe persimmon in late fall or early November or buy one at an organic market. The fruit softens and turns a brighter shade of orange when ripe. It is the first step to succeed.

Then, cut the fruit in half. Remove the seeds and clean them.

Plant seeds  in soil /not deep/. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 2 inches, and seedbeds should be mulched. Seedling have a strong taproot and should be field planted at the end of the first season.

I’d recommend you using peat pots. 

A peat pot is formed in a cup-shaped peat, and used as a temporary container for growing seedlings of various of plants. Using peat cups prevents damage to the root system of plants while planting it on a permanent pot that accelerates the development of the plant.
Organizing a good condition for roots is an important step. What does it mean?
When the roots go out from the bottom of the peat-pot you have to put it in a ceramic or a plastic pot which is little bit bigger than previous one. 
Figure out if the pot has a hole.

If it doesn't, make it or them. The hole provide the way for extra water to go out ant for air to go in.  


After that, put drainage in the bottom of the new pot. Drainage is critical to plant health. I use gravel or shingle.

And finally, put `a little bit soil, the peat-pot, and fill with soil empty space of the pot.
I put pots in a plastic container and provide a bit of bottom heat. Heat really helps to stimulate new root growth.
After a few weeks you will see a result. 
When the seedlings sprout out  keep an eye on seed shells. Sometimes young plants are not able to throw the seed shell out by itself. If you don't help it, the seedling will die.

To help the plant, spray it with room temperature water and cover the container with plastic. The shell becomes softer and the plant will able to take it out.

If it doesn't work,  try carefully to pull it out with tweezers or your fingers. On the picture below, you see two seedlings. Do you see that one, which is further, don't try to help it so far :-)

Time of year to collect seed: autumn
Time of year to sow seed: spring
Seed treatment : stratify 40F 2-3mo.
Preferred temperature for germination : 70-85 degrees F
Time required for germination : 6-8 weeks

Persimmons love full sun and partial shade. Accustom your young plant to the sun  gradually. 

They do not tolerate drying out of the soil and like to frequent spraying the leaves.
 In order to feed Persimmons use comprehensive balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen content. My plants love organic fertilizer. I use horse manure. Why? Horse manure is not aggressive, comparing with others. you can use it freshly picked. Also, it doesn't have odor.  Fertilize the plant should be not less than once per season.

I read the American persimmon can tolerate temperatures down to -25 F

Good luck!

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