Persimmons, if unripe, are notorious pucker-producers. When ripe, however, they're delicious.
Persimmons, if unripe, are notorious pucker-producers. When ripe, however, they're delicious.
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The botanical name for persimmons, Disospyros, is often translated to "food of the gods." While some say this translation from the Greek isn’t quite accurate, it gives you an idea of how much people throughout history have valued the persimmon.
The botanical name for persimmons, Disospyros, is often translated to "food of the gods." While some say this translation from the Greek isn’t quite accurate, it gives you an idea of how much people throughout history have valued the persimmon.
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"There are so many varieties of persimmons, including Japanese and American varieties, light-colored flesh, dark-colored flesh, firm and soft," says fruit expert Ed Laivo.
"There are so many varieties of persimmons, including Japanese and American varieties, light-colored flesh, dark-colored flesh, firm and soft," says fruit expert Ed Laivo.
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Persimmons are great trees for the home gardener, and they're easy to plant.
Persimmons are great trees for the home gardener, and they're easy to plant.
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First, dig a hole wider than it is deep. Then, choose a plant with nicely developed roots. The crown should sit a tad above the soil line to accommodate settling.
First, dig a hole wider than it is deep. Then, choose a plant with nicely developed roots. The crown should sit a tad above the soil line to accommodate settling.
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Laivo recommends backfilling the soil to create a pyramid in the center of the hole. Set the tree on top, and add enough dirt to fill the hole.
Laivo recommends backfilling the soil to create a pyramid in the center of the hole. Set the tree on top, and add enough dirt to fill the hole.
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Laivo doesn't amend the soil because the roots need to adapt to the nutrients that will be available for the next 100-plus years. Instead, he uses other protective measures like mulch.
Laivo doesn't amend the soil because the roots need to adapt to the nutrients that will be available for the next 100-plus years. Instead, he uses other protective measures like mulch.
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Mulch helps to cut down on evaporation and also keeps the roots cooler in the summertime. Laivo recommends high-density planting or several trees planted in one hole in smaller yards to provide lots of fruit, great pollination and easy harvesting all in one compact area.
Mulch helps to cut down on evaporation and also keeps the roots cooler in the summertime. Laivo recommends high-density planting or several trees planted in one hole in smaller yards to provide lots of fruit, great pollination and easy harvesting all in one compact area.