Persimmon Trees
Persimmon trees are a reliable and rewarding choice, producing sweet, flavorful fruit that ranges from crisp to custard-like depending on the variety. They are hardy, low-maintenance, and adapt well to Florida’s climate. With their glossy foliage and vibrant orange fruit, persimmons add beauty to the landscape as well as abundant seasonal harvests.
Giant Fuyu Persimmon
Giant Fuyu Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. A larger, non-astringent Fuyu-type known for crisp, sweet flesh when eaten firm. Excellent for fresh eating and slicing.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: Self-fertile; seedless without pollination
- Ripening (FL): October–November
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, cheese boards, dehydrating
Fuyu Persimmon
Fuyu Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. The classic non-astringent persimmon. Sweet and crunchy when firm; also great when allowed to soften slightly.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: Self-fertile; seedless without pollination
- Ripening (FL): October–November
- Uses: Fresh eating, salads, salsas, dehydrating
IZU Persimmon
IZU Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. An early-season, non-astringent variety with mild, honeyed flavor. Great choice for the first persimmons of the year.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: Self-fertile; seedless without pollination
- Ripening (FL): August–September
- Uses: Fresh eating, lunchbox fruit, charcuterie
Saijo Persimmon
Saijo Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. A revered astringent variety famed for exceptional sweetness when fully soft. Compact tree with heavy crops.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: Self-fertile; typically seedless without pollination
- Ripening (FL): October–November
- Uses: Eating soft, baking, puddings, drying
Chocolate Persimmon
Chocolate Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Known as “Tsurunoko.” A pollination-variant type with rich, brown flesh and a spicy-sweet flavor when pollinated.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: PVNA—best quality with pollination; with seeds, flesh turns brown and sweet. Without pollination, allow to fully soften before eating.
- Ripening (FL): September–October
- Uses: Fresh eating (when pollinated), salads, drying
Coffee Cake Persimmon
Coffee Cake Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Also called “Nishimura Wase.” PVNA type with cinnamon-brown flesh and a spice-cake aroma when pollinated.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: PVNA—benefits from a pollen source (e.g., Chocolate). With seeds, fruit is sweet and brown-fleshed; without pollination, allow to soften fully.
- Ripening (FL): September–October
- Uses: Fresh eating (when pollinated), desserts, drying
Hachiya Persimmon
Hachiya Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Hachiya is an astringent variety that must be fully soft before eating. Its large, heart-shaped fruit is incredibly sweet and perfect for baking and desserts.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: Self-fertile; seedless without pollination
- Ripening (FL): October–November
- Uses: Baking, puddings, smoothies, jams
Tanenashi Persimmon
Tanenashi Persimmon is well suited for USDA Growing Zones 9A and 9B—ideal for St. Augustine and Northeast Florida gardens. Tanenashi is a traditional astringent Japanese variety with elongated fruit and smooth, juicy texture when ripe. It’s a heavy producer with ornamental appeal.
- Lowest survival temperature: ~10°F (−12°C)
- Pollination: Self-fertile; produces seedless fruit without pollination
- Ripening (FL): October–November
- Uses: Fresh eating, drying, cooking