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The Fuyu Persimmon Tree

Are you considering getting a fruit tree but want something more unique than the typical apple or peach? A Fuyu Persimmon tree might be a great choice for you! It offers fall color-changing leaves, beautiful springtime flowers, deliciously sweet fruit, and low-maintenance care.

Keep reading to learn more about this persimmon variety and how you can easily care for it at home!

Are you looking to buy a Fuyu persimmon tree? Check availability here!

Japanese persimmon called

History of the Fuyu Persimmon Tree

Fuyu Persimmon trees are native to areas throughout Asia, with China being the primary producer of imported persimmons.

These fruits were first introduced to the United States by Commodore Matthew C. Perry around 1854 after trading with Japan. His botanists brought the fruit tree’s seeds back for planting. However, they didn’t become widely grown here until the early 1900s.

Other names for this delicious national fruit of Japan include the Fuyugaki Persimmon or the Japanese Persimmon.


Characteristics of the Fuyu Persimmon Tree

fuyu persimmon similar to the fuyugaki persimmon

This deciduous fruit tree will offer your yard beauty for about three seasons. And it’s very heat-tolerant, so it’ll thrive in the southern United States, while other fruit trees might wilt.

Tree Qualities

The tree will grow around 15-20 feet tall and wide, so it’s a small and manageable size for most people. And it can grow up to two feet each year! The tree bark is quite interesting, with a rectangular block-like pattern.

It’ll start with green leaves in springtime, which change to beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. And the tree will grow white flowers throughout most of the summer, turning into persimmon fruits.

Persimmon Qualities

Persimmons from this tree are non-astringent, meaning they’re edible even when they aren’t completely ripe. This persimmon tree variety offers bright orange fruits (inside and out) that are seedless with a tomato-like look. Each fruit is about 3-4 inches in diameter and has an apple-like firmness.


Growing and Caring for Fuyu Persimmon Trees

A ripe Fuyu persimmon on the tree, wet with rain water beading up on the fruit. Leaves in Autumn colors.

Growing a persimmon tree like the Fuyu variety will need about 3-4 years before producing fruit. But your tree needs to be in optimal health for this to happen. Use the following information as a general care guide to prepare your tree for future harvesting seasons.

Planting Zones

The Fuyu Persimmon tree enjoys warm weather. So, it will grow in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. These zones comprise the majority of the southern half of the United States.

Growing Season

This tree’s growing season is from spring to fall, with the time frame generally being from April to November. However, the growing season can differ slightly by a few weeks, depending on the year.

Size and Spacing

Fuyu Persimmon trees will usually grow up to 20 feet at a maximum. Due to this, 20 feet should be your minimum amount of spacing.

Soil Requirements

Persimmon trees like these thrive best in well-drained, non-compacted, and slightly acidic soil. Using compost in your soil can help if you’re having drainage issues. And if you need to see your soil’s pH, try using a pH tester.

Sunlight Requirements

Like most trees, your Fuyu Persimmon tree will need full sunlight to grow properly. This is roughly 6-8 hours of full sun per day.

Watering Requirements

You’ll need to water this tree for about 10 minutes a few times throughout the week. The trees can handle a bit of drought but don’t skip watering unless you have to.

Fertilizing Requirements

Persimmon trees can be sensitive to most fertilizers, causing fruit and leaf drop. So, you shouldn’t fertilize your trees.

Only use fertilizer if your tree is severely behind on yearly growth. For this, you can use a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

Pollination

The Fuyu Persimmon tree is self-pollinating! So, you’ll get harvests of delicious fruits without the need for another tree. However, planting more than one tree can help increase the yield.

Pruning

Pruning of your tree should take place in the wintertime. At this point, you should cut off any dead and diseased parts.

Possible Diseases

Some fungal and bacterial Persimmon diseases include the following:

  • Fungal Armillaria root rot
  • Bacterial or fungal blight
  • Fungal crown rot

You can attempt to treat the root diseases by removing soil around the base and letting the area dry out. You must chop off any affected areas for blight to prevent spreading.

Possible Pests

Here are some Fuyu Persimmon tree pests you might encounter:

  • Sap-sucking scale bugs
  • Nutrient-sucking mealybugs
  • Borers like moth and beetle larvae

If you see these bugs on your tree, a simple organic neem oil pesticide will work to get rid of them!


When to Harvest Fuyu Persimmons

Fuyu Persimmons will typically ripen from September to October. You can start harvesting once the entire fruit is completely orange.


Eating Fuyu Persimmons

These edible persimmons, both raw and cooked, offer endless possibilities. They make delicious afternoon snacks, fruity desserts, jams, and more!

fresh persimmon bread with the persimmon fruit

What Do They Taste Like?

The taste of this persimmon variety is mild and sweet. Some say that it’s reminiscent of the taste of pumpkin with a hint of spice. Others think it’s more tropical-tasting, like a mix of mango and peach.

Cooking and Baking With the Fuyu Persimmon

Due to their sweetness, Fuyu Persimmons are delicious in desserts and sweet dishes. Think about pies, tarts, muffins, and other baked goods. But they can also make a flavorful addition to fresh foods like salads. Pureeing and cooking them down to create sauces and jams

Fuyu Persimmon Recipe Ideas

Here are some delicious recipes to try with your Fuyu Persimmons:


Health Benefits of Fuyu Persimmons

Persimmons are low-calorie fruits chock full of fiber and antioxidants like vitamins A and C. Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy. In contrast, vitamin A is essential for eye health. And vitamin C is great at keeping your immune system in optimal health and even acts as an anti-inflammatory!


Where to Buy Fuyu Persimmon Trees

young persimmon tree

Are you ready to start planting your Fuyu Persimmon tree? Check availability at nurseries like Stark Bro’s!


Wrapping Up the Fuyu Persimmon Tree

The Fuyu Persimmon tree has plenty of blooms, foliage, and fruits. Minimal care requirements and great heat tolerance make growing and caring easy. Start planting!

Interested in learning more about this fruit tree? Visit our Persimmon Tree page for informational posts and comprehensive guides!