How to grow Persimmon in New Zealand
Persimmons are handsome deciduous trees with glossy leaves, brilliant autumn colour and bright orange fruit that hangs on after the leaves fall. New Zealand's commercial crop is grown in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, but home trees fruit well through much of the country, including the top of the South Island. Fuyu, the non-astringent supermarket persimmon, can be eaten crisp and is the easiest choice.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Persimmon in New Zealand
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | June to August | |
| Auckland | June to August | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | June to August | |
| Central North Island | June to August | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | June to August | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June to August | |
| Canterbury | June to August | |
| Otago & Southland | June to August | Marginal. Hardy while dormant, but the fruit needs a long warm season. Choose an astringent type such as Hachiya, plant against a warm north wall, and expect a light crop in a good year. |
| Central Otago | June to August |
Where to plant
Persimmons grow in most soils, including heavier ones, but will not tolerate waterlogging, as they are prone to root rots such as Phytophthora. Their biggest enemy is wind: the branches are brittle, so choose a sheltered, sunny site, and stake young trees and shelter them with windbreak cloth while they establish.
The trees are hardy when dormant but need a long, warm season to ripen the fruit. They also espalier well, which suits small gardens.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty: the main commercial districts, where Fuyu crops very well. Plant from June to August.
- Central North Island, Wellington, Nelson and Marlborough, and Canterbury: persimmons grow and fruit well, particularly in the top of the South Island; choose a warm, sheltered spot.
- Otago and Southland: marginal. Trees are hardy while dormant, but the fruit needs a long warm season. Choose an astringent type such as Hachiya, plant against a warm north wall and expect a light crop in a good year.
- Central Otago: choose a sheltered, frost-free spot, as late spring frosts can damage new growth; astringent types such as Hachiya tolerate colder conditions.
Choosing a variety
| Variety | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fuyu | The most popular and main commercial variety. Non-astringent and seedless, with medium to large, deep orange-red, sweet fruit that can be eaten firm or soft. Ripens about May to July |
| Matsumoto Wase Fuyu | Non-astringent, ripening about 10 days earlier than standard Fuyu |
| Hachiya | An astringent type with large, heart-shaped fruit that must be fully soft before eating; more tolerant of cooler conditions |
| Hiratanenashi (Tanenashi) | An astringent type tolerant of colder conditions; eat when soft |
All persimmons contain tannins when young. Non-astringent types lose them while still firm; astringent types are only pleasant when jelly-soft. Some varieties set seedless fruit without pollination, so a single tree of Fuyu will crop.
How to plant
- Plant in winter or spring, choosing a sheltered, sunny, well-drained site.
- Persimmons have a large taproot that should not be disturbed, so dig a deep enough hole and handle the root ball carefully.
- Plant at the same depth as the tree grew before, with the graft union above the soil.
- Stake the tree firmly, water in well and mulch, keeping mulch off the trunk.
- In windy spots, shelter young trees with windbreak cloth for their first few years.
Watering and feeding
Water young trees regularly while they establish. Established trees handle dry spells, but steady water while the fruit is sizing helps prevent fruit drop.
Persimmons do not need much fertiliser. A light feed in spring with a balanced fruit tree fertiliser is enough; heavy nitrogen causes vigorous growth and fruit drop.
Pruning and care through the year
- Develop a strong framework of several leaders while the tree is young. Fruit forms on the current season's growth.
- Prune in winter to keep the tree a manageable size, removing crossing, weak and broken branches.
- Thin excess fruit in early summer. The branches are brittle and break easily when over-cropped.
- Cover the tree with bird netting as the fruit starts to colour.
Harvesting
Harvest from autumn into early winter, about April to July depending on variety. Fuyu can be picked once fully coloured and eaten crisp like an apple, or left to soften. Clip the fruit with a short stalk and the green calyx attached.
Astringent types such as Hachiya must be left until completely soft and jelly-like before eating; pick them fully coloured and ripen them indoors. Persimmons keep best at room temperature, as they soften faster in the fridge, and they dry very well.
Growing in pots
A persimmon can be grown for some years in a large pot at least 50 cm wide in a sunny, sheltered spot, but the taproot makes it happier in the ground. Water regularly and feed lightly in spring.
Companion planting
Persimmons are medium-sized ornamental trees that suit a mixed orchard or a sheltered spot in the garden.
Good companions
- Fruit trees (fruit trees in general. for example lemon tree, apple, peach and mandarin)
Pests and diseases
Persimmon trees are fairly hardy. Birds attacking the ripening fruit are by far the biggest problem, and root rot affects trees in wet soil.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Ripening fruit pecked on the tree; net as fruit colours.
- Mealybug White, cottony insects under the calyx and on stems, with sticky honeydew.
- Thrips Silvery scarring on leaves and fruit skin.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Yellowing, thinning canopy and dieback in heavy or waterlogged soil.
Common questions
What is the difference between astringent and non-astringent persimmons?
All persimmons contain tannins when unripe. Non-astringent types such as Fuyu lose them while still firm, so you can eat them crisp. Astringent types such as Hachiya are only pleasant when completely soft.
When are persimmons ripe?
From about April to July, depending on variety. Fuyu is ripe when fully coloured and can be eaten firm or soft. Hachiya must be jelly-soft.
Do I need two persimmon trees?
No. Fuyu and many other varieties set seedless fruit without pollination, so one tree will crop.
How long does a persimmon take to fruit?
First fruit can come from about three years after planting, with full production at about ten years.
Why are my persimmon branches breaking?
Persimmon wood is brittle. Thin heavy crops in early summer, build a strong framework when the tree is young, and plant in a sheltered spot out of strong wind.
Can I grow persimmons in the South Island?
Yes, in warm, sheltered spots. They fruit well in the top of the South Island. In colder districts, astringent types such as Hachiya cope better.
Sources we checked: NZ Tree Crops Association: Persimmon; Waimea Nurseries: Persimmon Fuyu.