Growing Persimmon Trees in the South

Although some fruit trees don't grow well in the southern U.S., growing persimmon trees in the South is relatively easy and well worth it.

Reader Contribution by David Goodman
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AdobeStock/Alexey Antipov

Although some fruit trees don’t grow well in the southern U.S., growing persimmon trees in the South is relatively easy and well worth it.

Northern gardeners often look down upon the South, shaking their heads over our sad lack of good cherry, apple, and pear trees. And while it’s true we can’t grow most apples or fine European dessert pears – let alone sweet cherries – we can grow some pretty cool species, including many that can’t stand northern winters.

People either love or hate persimmons. Unlike apples, oranges or bananas… persimmons elicit strong emotions. They’re like the “Ford vs. Chevy” of fruits. There are probably a few reasons for this, one being the various varieties of persimmons people may have encountered. When you mention persimmon to one person, they may remember the small and horribly astringent fruit they ate from a tree in their grandmother’s yard. Another person might remember being tricked by a roommate into eating an unripe (and thus horrible) persimmon from the market. Another more favored individual may remember the honeyed delight of a delicious variety flown in from Israel.

Persimmon Varieties

  • Updated on Oct 4, 2023
  • Originally Published on Feb 19, 2013
Tagged with: David Goodman, deep south, Fruit Gardening, fruit trees, persimmon, Reader Contributions, Real Food
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