Position – Ideally, plant your persimmon tree in full sun in the garden. If necessary, a tree can be planted in partial shade. They should have about 4.5 metres around them to allow them to spread as they mature.
Size – Persimmon trees of the Izu variety grow to be about 3.5 metres high and 3.5 to 4.5 metres wide. They tend to be smaller than other persimmons and are known as the dwarf trees of this family.
Soil Type – The Izu persimmon tree thrives in well-drained, loamy or sandy clay soil that is slightly acidic (with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0). Because the tree’s roots extend deep down into the ground, it’s important to ensure your soil is deep.
Mulch – Give your persimmon tree the best conditions by mulching generously around the entire planting area.
Apply organic mulch to your tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering – Water your tree often when you have planted it to establish it well. Once it has matured, you should water it for about 10 minutes once or twice a week during the warmer spring and summer months. These trees can survive short droughts but thrive with regular watering.
Fertilising – Young and newly-planted trees should not be fertilised. A mature Izu persimmon tree beginning to break dormancy in spring will benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertiliser.
Apply our slow-release all-plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pruning – This tree doesn’t require much pruning unless it is required to remove dead or diseased limbs. Suckers should also be removed.
Harvesting – The persimmons can be plucked when they are a beautiful deep-orange or apricot colour, but still firm to the touch. You can enjoy them immediately, as they do not change in flavour with further ripening.
