How to Grow Persimmon from Seed

Are you a fan of persimmons and interested in growing your own? The good news is that it's relatively easy to grow persimmon trees from seed. With a little patience and some know-how, you could be enjoying your own homegrown persimmons in a few years' time. Here are some tips on how to plant persimmon from seed.

Choosing and Preparing Seeds

First things first, it's important to choose the right type of persimmon seed. The seeds from Fuyu, Jiro, and Tamopan persimmons are generally considered the best for planting. Once you've chosen your seeds, it's important to give them a good wash to remove any leftover fruit pulp. You can do this by soaking them in water and then rubbing them between your fingers to remove any remaining pulp.

Stratification

To encourage germination, persimmon seeds require a process called stratification. This involves subjecting the seeds to a period of cold, moist conditions, similar to the natural conditions the tree would experience in the winter. To stratify your seeds, soak them overnight in water and then place them in a plastic bag with some damp paper towels. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks.

Planting the Seeds

Once the seeds have been stratified, they're ready to be planted. Fill a pot with well-draining soil and plant the seeds about an inch deep. Water the soil until it's moist but not waterlogged, and then cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse-like environment. Keep the pot in a warm, bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.

Caring for the Seedlings

In about two weeks, you should start to see the first signs of growth. Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic wrap and move the pot to a spot with more sunlight. Water the seedlings regularly, but be careful not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

Transplanting

Once the seedlings have grown to about six inches tall, they can be transplanted to a larger container or outside to their final location. If you're transplanting outside, choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sunlight. Make sure to dig a hole that's deep enough to accommodate the root ball and remove any weeds or rocks from the area.

Conclusion

Growing persimmon trees from seed can be a fun and rewarding project. While it does require a bit of patience, it's relatively easy to do, and the end result can be a delicious harvest of sweet, juicy persimmons. Just remember to choose the right seeds, properly stratify them, and provide the right care throughout the growing process.