Persimmon trees are one of the most resilient and rewarding fruit trees available to home gardeners, orchard growers, and landowners. Known for their glossy foliage, fall color, and sweet, richly flavored fruit, persimmons thrive in a wide range of climates and soils. Whether you are planting native American persimmons or Asian/Japanese persimmon varieties, timing plays a critical role in how well the tree establishes and how quickly it begins to produce fruit.

The best time to plant persimmon trees depends on your state’s climate, soil temperature, frost risk, and seasonal rainfall. Persimmons are deciduous trees that develop deep, strong root systems early in life. Planting at the correct time allows those roots to establish before the tree is stressed by summer heat or winter cold. Understanding when to plant persimmon trees in your state gives your tree the strongest possible start.

Why Planting Time Matters for Persimmon Trees

Persimmon trees enter dormancy in winter, storing energy in their root systems rather than in leaves or fruit. According to the USDA Forest Service, both American and Asian persimmon species establish most successfully when planted during dormancy, allowing roots to expand before spring growth begins.

Planting persimmon trees at the proper time helps ensure:

• Strong taproot and feeder root development
• Reduced transplant shock
• Improved drought tolerance once established
• Better cold hardiness during the first winter
• Earlier flowering and fruit production

Because persimmon trees are long-lived and slow to stress, correct planting timing sets the foundation for decades of healthy growth.

Best Time to Plant Persimmon Trees in Northern States

States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire

Best Planting Time: Late April through May

In northern states with long winters and late spring frosts, persimmon trees should be planted only after the soil has fully thawed and the danger of hard freezes has passed. Late April through May is ideal. The University of Minnesota Extension explains that planting fruit trees into cold or saturated soil can slow root growth and delay establishment.

Fall planting is generally discouraged in these regions because persimmon trees need a full growing season to establish before winter.

Best Time to Plant Persimmon Trees in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

States: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland

Best Planting Time: Late March through April

These regions offer moderate spring temperatures that are well suited for persimmon establishment. According to Penn State Extension, early spring planting allows persimmon roots to establish before summer heat while minimizing cold stress.

Fall planting can succeed in very well-drained soils, but spring planting remains the most reliable option.

Best Time to Plant Persimmon Trees in the Southeast

States: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas

Best Planting Time: December through February

The Southeast is one of the best regions for growing persimmon trees. Mild winters allow planting throughout the dormant season. According to the University of Georgia Extension, planting fruit trees during winter dormancy allows roots to establish before spring growth begins, resulting in stronger early development.

Late spring planting is discouraged because rising temperatures can stress newly planted trees.

Best Time to Plant Persimmon Trees in Texas, Oklahoma & the Gulf States

States: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida

Best Planting Time: December through February

These regions warm quickly in spring, making winter planting ideal. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, persimmon trees planted during dormancy establish more quickly and tolerate summer heat better than those planted later.

Best Time to Plant Persimmon Trees in the Midwest

States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska

Best Planting Time: March through April

The Midwest experiences variable spring weather, so timing is critical. The University of Missouri Extension recommends early spring planting for deep-rooted fruit trees like persimmons to allow root establishment before hot summer conditions.

Best Time to Plant Persimmon Trees in the Upper South & Appalachian Regions

States: Virginia, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee

Best Planting Time: February through April

Moderate winters and consistent rainfall make these regions well suited for persimmon trees. Planting in late winter or early spring supports strong root development before warm weather accelerates growth.

General Rule of Thumb for All States

If you are unsure about the best planting time in your area, follow this guideline supported by multiple university extension services:

Plant persimmon trees while they are dormant and before spring bud break.

This timing minimizes transplant stress and allows roots to establish before leaf growth begins.

Planting Tips for Persimmon Trees

Sunlight

Persimmon trees perform best in full sun. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily supports healthy growth and fruit development.

Soil

Persimmons tolerate a wide range of soils but prefer well-draining locations. According to the USDA Forest Service, persimmon trees adapt well to both sandy and loamy soils but do not thrive in standing water.

Spacing

Space persimmon trees 15–20 feet apart to allow for mature canopy growth and airflow.

Pollination

Some persimmon varieties require cross-pollination, while others are self-fertile. Planting compatible varieties can improve fruit set and yield.

Why Starting With Quality Persimmon Trees Matters

Persimmon trees can live and produce fruit for many decades. Starting with healthy, well-grown trees ensures faster establishment, fewer early problems, and stronger long-term performance.

Why Customers Choose Ty Ty Nursery to Buy Persimmon Trees

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