The persimmon tree is grown in tropical and subtropical areas. It is becoming increasingly popular in this country as an ornamental, potted or useful plant. The selection of robust varieties allows cultivation in almost every region of Germany.
Can you grow a persimmon tree in Germany?
In Germany, the exotic persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki) can be grown as a container plant or in mild-winter wine-growing regions. The more frost-resistant genus Diospyros virginiana is better suited to the local climate and also produces good yields outside of the wine-growing regions.
The exotic persimmon tree is an ebony plant that comes from Asia. It is a large tree with elongated leaves and yellow-white flowers. Its apple-sized fruits are usually orange in color and taste very sweet and juicy when ripe. The unripe persimmons leave a furry feeling on the tongue.
Different varieties are offered in German supermarkets all year round:
- Kaki (large, round, sweet, very soft flesh),
- Persimmon (smaller and more intensely colored than persimmon, firm flesh),
- Sharon (flat, tomato-like shape).
The fruits are harvested unripe and store well. Sharon fruits and persimmons can also be eaten unripe as they contain practically no tannins.
Free-range farming only possible in wine-growing regions
Diospyros kaki is not hardy. However, cultivation is possible in the mild winter wine-growing regions of Germany. There, too, keeping the plant in a bucket is recommended for the first few years. Older plants can be planted in a sunny spot in the garden. For most areas of Germany, due to the low winter hardiness of the Diospyros kaki, only pot cultivation is an option. The more frost-resistant genus Diospyros virginiana is particularly suitable for this climate. Its fruits are somewhat smaller, but the tree also produces good yields outside of the wine-growing regions.
Overwinter persimmon trees frost-free
Depending on the variety, persimmon trees have different frost resistance. The plants suitable for outdoor cultivation can withstand occasional night frosts, but require winter protection in particularly cold winters. The persimmon plants growing in the pot are overwintered in a frost-free and dark place after they have lost their leaves and the fruits have been harvested. During the winter period there is no fertilization and only watering is carried out very sparingly.
Tips & Tricks
The easy-care persimmon plant thrives best in neutral and loamy soil. It can be trained as a half-stem and standard trunk as well as on a trellis. The fruits are ripe between October and November.
