Texas persimmon
Diospyros texana · Ebenaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around texas persimmon and prepare for winter.
ID card
- French name
- Texas Persimmon
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 5 to 8 m tall
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- -12 to -15 °C approximately
- Origin
- Texas and southern regions of the United States
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor and calcareous soils
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote root establishment. Once established, Texas persimmon is relatively drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged periods of heat. Avoid waterlogging, which can be harmful.
Exposure
Plant the tree in full sun for optimal flowering and good fruiting. It also tolerates partial shade but produces fewer fruits in these conditions. Choose a location sheltered from strong winds.
Pruning
Prune in winter, outside the active sap period (December to February). Remove dead, crossing, or poorly oriented branches to maintain a balanced shape. Avoid severe pruning, which can slow growth and fruiting.
Soil and preparation
Texas persimmon adapts to many types of soil, including poor and calcareous soils. Improve the planting soil with well-decomposed compost. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root problems.
Fertilizer
Apply a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of fruiting. Annual compost application may be sufficient for established trees.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, it can occasionally be affected by fungi in very humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation through appropriate pruning. Inspect regularly for any signs of abnormality and intervene quickly if necessary.
Did you know?
The Diospyros texana produces fruits resembling persimmons, prized by Texas wildlife. Long ago, the indigenous peoples and settlers of the border regions used these fruits for direct consumption and jam-making, making it a tree rich in history within the botanical heritage of the southern United States.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Date plumDiospyros lotus
- PersimmonDiospyros kaki
- American persimmonDiospyros virginiana
- Ebony diospyrosDiospyros mespiliformis
- Fig treeFicus carica
- Japanese mapleAcer palmatum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.