Late autum early winter crop
genus Diospyros – Diospyros kaki
originating in Chine and Japan
Cultivated in japan for more than 1400 years they have more than 1000 different cultivars
Fuyu is a cultivar that can be eaten crisp
All persimmons have tannic acid in their flesh which makes them astringent. Most varieties loose this as they ripen.
Easy to grow, not fussy about soil conditions
Fertiliste in later winter and early summer with low nitrogen fertiliser.
Grafted trees should bear fruit in 3-4 years
14m in wild, but ususally only grow to around 6m. Pruning should be light. Remove any branches that touch each other and keep center open. Thinning fruit may be necessary
Net tree against birds.
Fuyu can be picked when orange, leave others to ripen fully.
Once picked leave till soft, almost gelatinous
To hasten ripening place in a plastic bag with one apple per eight fruit for three to sewven days.
Fruit size and shape will vary according to cultivar.
