Always wondered what those orange tomatoes are on the fruit aisle? These are persimmons. If you like, you can even grow them yourself in the garden.
Persimmons are fruits that look like a tomato due to their spherical, oval shape and taste sweet. The taste reminds you of an apricot or pear. The great thing is that you don't always have to buy kakis in the supermarket. You can also grow and harvest persimmons yourself. If you want to plant a persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki) in your garden, you should always start with cultivation in a bucket. Planting out in the garden is then possible from the fourth year. In the following we would like to explain to you how to plant a persimmon tree correctly and what you have to pay attention to so that the tree thrives magnificently.
Kaki tree profile
| Kaki tree (Diospyros kaki) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | 200 - 500 cm |
| Growth: | 200 - 300 cm |
| Special Features: | orange fruits, sweet and juicy pulp, gorgeous autumn leaves |
| Root system: | Deep Roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | deep, nourishing, permeable |
How to properly plant a persimmon tree
» Step 1 - Prepare the substrate for the persimmon tree:
The persimmon tree prefers well-drained soil with a high humus content. A mixture of two parts garden soil and one part each of sand and humus-rich potting soil ensures good growth. When composting organic waste, you can use mature compost instead of potting soil.
» Step 2 - Select a tub for the persimmon tree:
The right size of the bucket depends on the volume of the plant container or the root ball. Use about twice the volume of the root ball as a guide. Be sure to purchase a bucket with multiple drainage holes to ensure good water drainage.
» Step 3 - Work in drainage:
In addition to the drainage holes, you can drain the water through a several centimeters thickImprove drainage layer. Perlite and expanded clay are suitable materials. As a free alternative, you can also use construction waste, for example in the form of crushed roof tiles or bricks.
» Step 4 - Choose a suitable location for persimmon tree:
Plant your persimmon tree directly at the intended location to save yourself the hassle of transporting it. The site should be in a sheltered location with plenty of sunshine. Your persimmon tree will do well on the patio or in another spot near the south side of the house.
» Step 5 - plant a persimmon tree in a bucket:
Pull the persimmon tree out of the container in one smooth motion without violent tearing. Pour the drainage into the bucket and cover it with a layer of the prepared soil. Now place the root ball in the middle of the bucket and fill in the remaining substrate evenly from all sides. Finally, cover the root ball with a layer of soil and water the persimmon moderately.
» Step 6 - plant a persimmon tree in the garden:
If you live in an area with mild winters, you can plant your persimmon tree in the garden from the fourth year. The demands on soil and location are the same as for cultivation in a bucket. You can do without drainage as long as your garden soil is not heavily compacted. You can tell compacted soil by puddles forming quickly on level ground, which remain for a day or more after it rains.