What is the best time to plant persimmons?

SummaryPersimmons are generally planted after leaf fall in autumn and before bud break in spring, that is, November, as well as February to March, are the more suitable planting times for persimmons. Persimmons are generally propagated by grafting, and their planting density is determined by terrain, soil, variety, management conditions, etc.

1. Persimmon planting time

The general planting time for persimmons is after leaf fall in autumn and before bud break in spring, that is, November and February and March are the best periods for planting persimmons.

2. Persimmon planting techniques

1. Timely field planting

The best period for field planting persimmon trees is generally after leaf fall in autumn or before bud break in spring, generally no later than the Rain Water solar term. The planting density is determined by terrain, soil, variety, management conditions, etc. For astringent persimmons in mountainous areas, the row spacing is generally about 6 m × 6 m, and for sweet persimmons about 5 m × 5 m; for astringent persimmons on flat land, the row spacing is about 7 m × 7 m, and for sweet persimmons about 6 m × 6 m. The planting holes are generally 70 cm deep and 70 cm wide. 

2. Pruning branches

Generally, for mature trees in production, moderate pruning should be carried out after leaf fall in winter, mainly by short pruning, cutting off dense branches, crossing branches, long branches and diseased or dead branches, so that the branches can be reasonably distributed, fertilizer increased and the soil improved. The roots of persimmon trees are very deep, so holes should be dug and fertilizer applied to make the trees grow more and more vigorously.

3. Strengthen fertilizer and water management

Persimmon trees have weak drought tolerance, and soil that is too dry will lead to poor growth of the fruit trees. When the soil moisture content is about 40%, persimmon trees grow best. The soil in the orchard should focus on improving soil aeration and water retention. The specific measure is to water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots, and water once every 5 days until the fruit seedlings survive. The fertilizer needed by persimmon trees is mainly nitrogen fertilizer, and secondly phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer also need to be used in combination.

4. Carry out winter orchard cleaning work

After the fruit is picked in autumn, prune in time and thoroughly remove diseased fruit, diseased calyxes, dead branches, fallen leaves and overwintering sources of pests and diseases, so that growth can proceed smoothly in spring.

5. Use grafting for propagation

In the north, persimmon trees are mainly planted using Diospyros lotus as the rootstock. After the mature fruit softens, wash off the flesh and take out the seeds for later use.