Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu'

A large deciduous tree growing to around 5m tall and 4m wide.

Small white bell-shaped inconspicuous flowers are produced in summer followed, on female trees, by large spherical, edible orange fruit. Leaves are rounded, green and glossy. In autumn the foliage turns fabulous shades of orange and red.

Best planted in full sun, in well-drained, slightly acidic loamy soil (a pH of 6.0 - 6.5 is ideal). Long hot summers will ensure a quality crop. Plants are fairly drought-tolerant once established.

Always choose healthy, well-grown, plants and plant after autumn rains, when the soil is moist and warm allows trees to establish a good root system before summer. Planting is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots or branches and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball to plant in. Long term slow-release fertilisers may be added at this stage. As soil is placed in the prepared hole tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root-ball. Unless the soil is very wet, water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball. Ensure that the tree does not dry out, as this will limit its growth and crop the following season. In windy positions, staking may be required. Use wide ties that hold securely without chafing. Tie firmly but allow room for the trunk to increase in girth without constriction. This allows the plant to move a little in the wind encouraging the development of a strong root system without the risk of chafing or root damage.

Mulch well in spring and water thoroughly during dry periods for the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is required to keep the tree to a manageable size and it also helps increase the size of the fruit and improves its quality. However, do not prune the tips of the branches as this is where the fruit sets. Prune in winter and carefully take off whole branches where needed. Be careful not to remove too many as this encourages lots of leafy growth. Unwanted vegetative growth is best removed in summer.

Mealybugs and leaf rollers may be a problem.

Orchard

Persimmon fruit are very high in vitamins C and A. This persimmon is self-fertile but will produce more fruit if cross-pollinated with other trees.