Can Persimmon Seeds Grow into Persimmon Trees? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods

SummaryPersimmon seeds can be planted, but people generally do not use persimmon seeds for sowing, because the persimmons produced by seedling trees are of poor quality. The most commonly used method is still grafting. The planting steps for persimmon trees are first seedling propagation, then field planting in winter, soil management during the growth process, and attention to problems such as fruit drop control.

Can Persimmon Seeds Be Planted

Persimmon seeds can be planted directly, but the quality is poor, so it is not recommended to plant persimmon seeds directly. We generally use grafting to grow persimmons. The rootstock used is Diospyros lotus, which usually contains 10 or more seeds inside. In winter, mix them with sand, adjusting the sand moisture until it holds shape when squeezed in the hand but no water runs out between the fingers. Place it in a spot at around 5 degrees, sow in spring, and graft at the appropriate time.

Persimmon Planting Techniques

I. Seedling Propagation

1. Rootstock: Use cultivated persimmon to grow rootstock by sowing. The best sowing time is December of each year and January of the following year.

2. Seedling cultivation: Propagate seedlings by grafting. Carry out cut grafting in winter before the rootstock and scion begin activity.

II. Field Planting

The field planting period for persimmons is generally during the dormant season from December to February. When planting, mix decomposed organic matter into the hole. The ideal row and plant spacing is 7 m × 7 m to 12 m × 12 m, with about 200 plants per hectare.

III. Soil Management

1. Soil sampling and analysis

Soil sampling and analysis should be carried out every year. Take topsoil and subsoil from the orchard, mix them evenly, and conduct soil analysis. According to the analysis results, carry out soil improvement and fertilization at the appropriate time.

2. Soil improvement

Persimmon trees are suitable for growing in slightly alkaline soil. When the soil pH is too low, it should be improved in good time by mixing magnesia lime with limestone powder. The annual application rate per hectare should not exceed 4000 jin, and it should be applied in split applications after fruit harvest or during the dormant period, otherwise changes in pH may affect the uptake of trace elements.

3. Application of organic matter

In order for persimmon trees to grow healthily, the soil organic matter content should be increased in good time. Generally, decomposed organic matter with a high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is applied, thereby improving soil conditions and reducing the chance of root rot.

4. Grass cultivation

Persimmon trees are not drought-tolerant. To make persimmon trees grow well, grass cultivation should also be carried out in the orchard. Cover the cut dry grass under the canopy to prevent soil loss and increase soil protection and drainage capacity.

IV. Fruit Drop Control

1. Provide a pollination source

Niuxin persimmon and Shishi persimmon mostly have female flowers. Grafting for pollination can prevent fruit drop. After pollination, Niuxin persimmon fruit is relatively round and large, but the disadvantage is that pollinated Niuxin persimmon has seeds, which slightly affects the making of dried persimmons.

2. Girdling

When the persimmon tree is about to bloom, girdling the trunk or main branches can reduce fruit drop, but this method affects later root growth, and fruit quality also becomes worse, so try to avoid using it.

3. Strengthen cultivation management

Try to prune branches and trunks as little as possible, control the use of nitrogen fertilizer and adjust water properly, and thin flowers and flower buds in good time when too many buds open. These are all beneficial for reducing fruit drop.