What Is the Height of a Dwarf Persimmon Tree?

There are many species and cultivars of persimmon trees (Diospyros spp.) that grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 10. They are a joy to grow for their beautiful appearance and edible fruits. How tall does a persimmon tree grow? It varies greatly by species, but some can reach a height of 60 feet tall. Is there a dwarf persimmon tree? There are dwarf cultivars, such as Izu (Diospyrus kaki 'Izu,' zones 7-8), that grow just 12 to 15 feet tall.

The common, or American, persimmon tree (Diospyros virginiana, USDA zones 4-9) can grow 30 to 80 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide. This size of tree can be unmanageable for many home landscapes, so dwarf cultivars are often a better option. The dwarf variety Izu is a cultivar of the Asian or Oriental persimmon (Diospyrus kaki, USDA zones 7-10), as is Fuyu (Diospyrus kaki 'Fuyu,' zones 7-10). How tall does a Fuyu persimmon tree get? The Fuyu persimmon tree size is 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, much larger than the 12 to 15 feet of the dwarf variety.

Persimmon trees may be cultivated from seed, or they may be grafted, which means you may be able to enjoy the fruits of a larger cultivar on a smaller rootstock. Check with your local nursery to see what is available in your area and the exact size you can expect for your new tree.

While tree size is an important consideration when planting in your yard, also consider the flavor of the fruits the tree produces. Persimmons trees are often characterized based on their fruits and are divided into astringent and nonastringent trees. The astringent characteristic comes from tannins and causes the mouth to pucker when you eat these fruits. Generally, wait for the fruits to soften and ripen before you harvest them.

Nonastringent cultivars, including Izu, can be harvested while the fruits are still firm or enjoyed when they soften. Izu is an early maturing variety, which means you can enjoy their fruits earlier in the season. However, the fruits don't store as well as some other varieties, so plan to eat and share the fruits as you harvest them. You can also wrap them in polyurethane wrap and store them in the refrigerator at 32 degrees Fahrenheit to lengthen their shelf life. Persimmons prepared this way in Japan can last up to five months.

Persimmons trees offer beautiful colors in the fall, from orange fruits to red, orange, and yellow foliage. Unlike some other fruit trees, they don't need much chill time over the winter months to produce a good harvest. Another benefit of these trees is that they tend to be free of disease and rarely suffer pest infestations.

These trees grow in well-drained soil. They are drought-resistant but can benefit from irrigation when it is dry. Generally, they don't need to be fertilized, but if there is a smaller than expected harvest, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to feed the tree.