American Persimmon Live Starter Plant Set – 12-16 Inches Tall, Bare Root, 2 Pack

Overview

Embark on a rewarding gardening journey with our premium American Persimmon live plant starter set. This offering includes two robust bare root trees, each measuring between 12 and 16 inches in height, ready for planting in your outdoor space. The American Persimmon live plant, or Diospyros virginiana, is a highly valued native North American fruit tree renowned for its delicious, sweet, and unique fruit. These deciduous trees bring not only the promise of delectable harvests but also significant ornamental value to any landscape. Known for their attractive foliage and sturdy growth, they are an excellent choice for home orchards, wildlife gardens, or as a distinctive specimen tree. Our carefully selected persimmon tree starter plants are cultivated to ensure a strong beginning, allowing you to establish a thriving persimmon grove with ease.

The American Persimmon live plant is a versatile and resilient species, capable of adapting to a variety of soil conditions once established. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance yet highly rewarding fruit tree. These young trees will grow to provide shade, habitat for local wildlife, and, most importantly, an abundance of sweet, orange fruit in the fall. Starting with bare root plants offers a cost-effective and efficient way to introduce this wonderful fruit tree into your garden, promoting strong root development from the outset.

Key Benefits

Investing in these American Persimmon live plant starters offers a multitude of benefits for both the gardener and the environment. These trees are not just fruit producers but also contribute significantly to the biodiversity and beauty of your landscape.

• Delicious Edible Fruit: The primary appeal of the American Persimmon live plant is its incredibly flavorful fruit. Sweet and rich, persimmons are perfect for fresh eating, baking, jams, or dried snacks. Enjoy a unique taste that is often described as a blend of plum, date, and apricot.
• Wildlife Attraction: The fruit of the Diospyros virginiana is a favorite food source for various wildlife, including birds, deer, and other small mammals, making your garden a lively and ecological haven.
• Ornamental Value: Beyond its fruit, the American Persimmon live plant offers year-round aesthetic appeal. It features attractive dark green leaves in summer, which turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange in the fall, followed by the striking sight of persistent orange fruits on bare branches in winter.
• Hardy and Adaptable: This native species is exceptionally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types, making it a reliable choice for many regions across the United States.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, these persimmon tree starter plants require minimal care, making them suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners. They are relatively disease and pest resistant.
• Long Lifespan: American Persimmon trees are known for their longevity, often producing fruit for many decades, providing a lasting legacy for your garden.
• Erosion Control: Their robust root systems can help stabilize soil, making them a good option for planting on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your American Persimmon live plant is relatively straightforward, especially once the trees are established. These hardy fruit trees thrive with proper initial care, ensuring a bountiful harvest in future years. For optimal growth, plant your bare root persimmon starters in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some partial shade, fruit production will be significantly higher in full sun. The ideal soil for Diospyros virginiana is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0), and rich in organic matter. However, they are quite adaptable and can grow in sandy, clay, or loamy soils.

When planting your bare root persimmon, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them, and deep enough so that the root collar is level with the ground. Backfill with soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Consistent watering is crucial during the first year of establishment, especially during dry periods. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Once established, the trees are quite drought-tolerant. Fertilization can begin in the second year, using a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Pruning is generally minimal, focusing on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain good air circulation and shape. Watch out for common pests like scale insects or mealybugs, and address any issues promptly with appropriate organic or chemical treatments. These edible fruit tree specimens are known for their resilience.

Size & Details

This offering includes a set of two American Persimmon live plant starters, each measuring approximately 12 to 16 inches in height upon arrival. These are bare root plants, meaning they are shipped without soil around their roots, which is a common and effective method for deciduous trees during their dormant season. This allows for easier transport and encourages rapid root establishment once planted. The mature size of an American Persimmon tree typically ranges from 30 to 60 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 35 feet, though they can be kept smaller with strategic pruning. They exhibit a medium growth rate, adding about 13-24 inches per year. Expect these trees to begin producing fruit within 3-5 years after planting, with full production achieved in 7-10 years. The fruit typically ripens in the fall, turning a vibrant orange color when ready for harvest. This Diospyros virginiana plant set provides a fantastic foundation for a long-lasting, productive fruit tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this American Persimmon live plant get? A: A mature American Persimmon tree can reach heights of 30 to 60 feet and spreads of 20 to 35 feet. However, its size can be managed with regular pruning to fit smaller garden spaces.
• Q: What size pot does the persimmon tree starter come in? A: These are bare root plants, meaning they do not come in a pot. They are shipped dormant, with their roots carefully packaged for protection during transit, ready for direct planting into your garden.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The American Persimmon live plant is an outdoor tree. It requires ample space to grow and thrives in full sun conditions in a garden or orchard setting.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For best growth and fruit production, American Persimmon trees need full sun, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade but will yield less fruit.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, the American Persimmon live plant is considered relatively low-maintenance. It’s a hardy native species that is adaptable to various conditions and generally resistant to pests and diseases.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your bare root persimmon plants will arrive dormant, which is normal for bare root trees. This ensures they are ready for planting and will awaken and grow once placed in suitable conditions.
• Q: Can I use the fruit of this edible fruit tree in cooking? A: Absolutely! American Persimmons are excellent for fresh eating, especially when fully ripe. They can also be used in a variety of culinary applications, including pies, puddings, cakes, jams, and even dried.
• Q: When is the best time to plant this Diospyros virginiana plant? A: The ideal time to plant bare root American Persimmon trees is in early spring, after the last hard frost and before new leaf growth begins. This allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is very cold hardy, typically thriving in USDA Zones 4-9. It is well-suited to continental climates and can withstand cold winter temperatures.
• Q: What’s the minimum temperature it can tolerate? A: This species is known to tolerate temperatures down to approximately -25°F (-31°C) once established, making it a very robust choice for many temperate regions.