Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu'

As with its parent plant, the 'Fuyu' cultivar of the Oriental persimmon is beautiful, delicious and easy to grow, and offers year-round interest in the landscape. These trees produce the fruit that is most widely sold in supermarkets today and is the most well-known non-astringent types. Oriental persimmons are native in Eastern Asia and India, they thrive in eastern North Carolina and the southern piedmont but do not tolerate temperatures below 10°F. Planting more than one variety is recommended but not required for fruit set. The trees grow best in loamy, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 in full sun but thrive on a wide range of soils. Oriental persimmons generally bloom mid-April so avoid damage from late frosts.

With spectacular autumn foliage and fruit that extends the harvest late into the fall, they are an excellent addition to an edible landscape.  Fruit stays on the tree after the leaves have fallen and into winter, giving an attractive addition to a winter garden. Harvest the fruit when the skin becomes deep orange.  Fruit from this non-astringent variety can be sliced like a tomato and eaten raw or it can be used in a variety of baked goods.  

It has no serious insect or disease problems, and it does not require annual pruning like some other deciduous fruit trees. It may be pruned as a hedge, screen or espalier. However, it does produce root suckers. Remove promptly unless a naturalized effect is wanted.

Problems: Scale, mealybug and leaf spot can occur. Fruit drop can be messy.

More information on Diospyros kaki.