The need for two persimmon trees to produce fruit depends entirely on the tree’s species and cultivar. Persimmons belong to the genus Diospyros, but only a few species are cultivated for their edible fruit. The requirement for a second tree is determined by the tree’s reproductive biology, specifically its sex expression and ability to develop fruit without fertilization. Understanding these distinctions is essential for a successful harvest.
American Versus Asian Persimmons
The two primary cultivated species are the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) and the Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki). These species have fundamentally different reproductive systems, which causes confusion regarding planting requirements.
The native American persimmon is typically dioecious, meaning individual trees are distinctly male or female. The female tree requires a separate male tree nearby for pollination to set fruit, leading to the common advice that two trees are necessary. American persimmon fruit is smaller and intensely sweet when fully ripe.
In contrast, the Asian persimmon often has a more flexible reproductive strategy. While some Asian cultivars are dioecious, many are monoecious, producing both male and female flowers on the same tree. This allows many Asian varieties to be self-fruitful, negating the need for a separate pollinator tree. The Asian species yields larger, uniform fruit, categorized as either astringent or non-astringent.
Understanding Pollination Needs
The requirement for two trees stems from the dioecious nature of many persimmon varieties. The female tree bears the pistillate flowers that develop into fruit, while a separate male tree produces the necessary pollen. If a female tree is planted alone, it will bloom but fail to set fruit due to the lack of a pollen source.
For varieties requiring cross-pollination, the male tree transfers pollen via insects or wind to the female flower. You must plant at least one male tree within a reasonable distance (typically less than 50 feet) of the female tree for successful fertilization. Note that some American cultivars, like ‘Meader,’ have been bred to be self-fertile, acting as exceptions to the species rule.
Even for trees that are technically self-fertile, a pollination partner can improve the overall harvest. A male pollinator often results in larger fruit and reduces premature fruit drop. This happens because fruit developing from fertilized, seeded flowers is more vigorous and less prone to dropping early in the season.
The Exception of Self-Fruiting Varieties
Many popular Asian persimmon cultivars do not require a separate pollinator tree, providing a significant exception to the two-tree rule. These varieties produce fruit reliably in isolation because they exhibit parthenocarpy, which is the ability to set fruit without fertilization, resulting in seedless fruit.
Cultivars such as ‘Hachiya’ and ‘Fuyu’ are parthenocarpic and will produce a full crop of seedless fruit without pollen. The mechanism involves the flower’s ovary developing into mature fruit even though the ovules were never fertilized. This trait is common among non-astringent Asian varieties.
Some Asian varieties are classified as “pollination-variant,” meaning the presence of seeds alters the fruit’s characteristics. For instance, pollination in some astringent varieties causes the flesh around the seeds to darken and lose astringency sooner. Therefore, while a second tree is not needed for fruit production, planting a pollinator may be desirable to change the fruit’s texture or flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Cultivar
The decision to plant one or two persimmon trees rests entirely on the specific cultivar selected. Before purchasing, confirm the exact pollination requirements of the variety with the nursery or supplier.
If planting an American persimmon, you will almost certainly need a female tree and a separate, designated male tree for pollination, unless the cultivar is explicitly labeled as self-fertile. For Asian persimmons, look for cultivars marked as self-fruitful or parthenocarpic, such as ‘Fuyu’ or ‘Hachiya,’ if space is limited. If you choose a pollination-variant cultivar, be aware that planting a second tree may significantly affect the final fruit quality.