The persimmon tree is incredibly unique and highly adaptable. Its bright orange fruits look sort of like tomatoes and are usually harvested in the fall. If you live in Virginia, you may wonder if your area is a good location for a persimmon tree. Below you’ll find the info you need about caring for these plants and whether or not they’ll grow in your backyard.
Native to Virginia
The persimmon tree is native to Virginia. Although, these trees are highly adaptable and get along quite well in several areas of the United States. Because they can learn to live in a variety of soils and environments, they can be found all over the state.
Identification
The tree itself is slow-growing. It can take 4 to 6 years to see any fruit produced by these trees.
These plants generally reach up to 20 feet in height, and the bark is a thick and blocky texture. Besides its bright orange fruits, it sports green, oblong leaves among its branches.
Care
These trees are extremely hardy and excellent for new gardeners. Besides occasional watering, there isn’t much you should need to do. You can even skip fertilizers unless the tree appears to be wilting.
This tree loves several hours of sunshine and breezy, open-air for best results. The soil can vary, as long as it is not too salty. A well-draining soil will also be vital for this plant’s long-term health.
Harvesting
Most people harvest this fruit in the fall. In fact, the fruit is at its ripest following the first frost of the autumn season. Make sure that you get to it quickly, though. Humans are not the only ones to enjoy this bounty and will likely attract wildlife to your property.
While this might be a drawback for some, most people won’t mind the intruders. Regular visitors can help keep plants healthy and add biodiversity to the community.
If you do happen to bite into this fruit before it is ripe, especially while it is still green, there are no lasting effects, but the fruit will be bitter. You may even be left with slight numbness or tingling in your mouth.
Foods Featuring Persimmons
The persimmon isn’t just fascinating to look at. It also has a unique flavor. Many cultures have enjoyed this incredible fruit throughout history. The Native Americans were some of the first people to use them.
They have a delicate, sweet flavor that is not unlike melon or honey. However, many compare the sugar level to that of squash or sweet potato. In other words, it is not overly sweet. This makes them excellent when added to certain dishes. Below are a few foods you can make at home that contain persimmons:
- Dried persimmons
- Bread
- Cookies
- Jam
- Cake
This fruit is a fall favorite throughout much of Virginia. Don’t be surprised if you see them included in some of your favorite dishes during the autumnal season.
Should You Grow Persimmon Trees?
If you’re looking up persimmon trees in Virginia, chances are you are curious about whether or not you can grow them in your own yard. For the most part, the answer is yes, because these trees do so well in various climates. It’s best, however, to check what zone you’re in when growing fruit trees.
Zones are typically regional, but that can vary from state to state. There are always pockets in any given region where the soil is vastly different or dry weather is prevalent. If you aren’t sure how to find out what’s on your end, you can always speak with an arborist or reliable nursery.