Persimmons offer a delightful addition to any garden. Originating from China, the ‘Great Wall’ persimmon is a popular choice for home growers, offering both aesthetic appeal and abundant fruit. It is a rewarding tree to cultivate due to its relatively straightforward care.
Understanding the Great Wall Persimmon
Distinctive Features
The ‘Great Wall’ persimmon is distinguished by its medium-sized, squarish, and slightly flattened fruit, around 3 inches in diameter. When fully ripe, the fruit has deep orange skin and smooth, custard-like flesh with a rich, sweet, honey-like flavor. It is an astringent variety, requiring full softness before consumption to avoid a pucker-inducing sensation. The tree is an attractive deciduous specimen, reaching 12-20 feet with a rounded canopy and glossy green leaves that turn vibrant red and orange in autumn.
Climate Suitability and Hardiness
The ‘Great Wall’ persimmon is notably cold hardy for an Oriental persimmon, thriving in USDA zones 6 through 9. This allows it to grow and produce fruit in regions with colder winters. It requires approximately 400 chilling hours to set fruit. While tolerant of various climates, it performs best in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production and sweetness.
Planting Your Great Wall Persimmon
Site and Soil Preparation
Selecting an appropriate planting site is important for the tree’s long-term health. Choose a location with full sun exposure. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). While tolerant of various soil types, including clay, good drainage is necessary to prevent waterlogging. Incorporating compost or other organic matter before planting provides nutrients and improves soil structure.
Step-by-Step Planting
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the center, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, especially if grafted. Backfill with excavated soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets. After planting, thoroughly water to settle the soil. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup.
Ongoing Care for Thriving Trees
Watering Needs
Consistent watering is important for establishment and productivity, particularly during the first year. Newly planted trees need regular water for root development. Once established, about one inch of water per week is generally sufficient, especially during dry periods and the six-week window encompassing blossom and fruit development. While persimmons tolerate some drought, consistent moisture yields larger, better-quality fruit. Avoid overwatering, as trees do not thrive in soggy conditions.
Fertilization Practices
Fertilization requires a balanced approach to support healthy growth and fruit production. Do not fertilize at planting or when trees are very young, as they can be sensitive. Once established (typically after the first year), apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the tree breaks dormancy. For continued growth and fruit production, some recommend a monthly dose of balanced fruit tree fertilizer during the growing season, while others suggest applying it only if pale leaves or slow shoot growth are observed.
Pruning for Health and Production
Pruning focuses on maintaining tree structure, promoting air circulation, and enhancing fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and suckers from the trunk base. For younger trees, thin new shoots to develop a strong framework with evenly spaced branches, allowing sunlight to reach the interior and fruiting wood. Persimmons fruit on new growth from the previous season, so avoid removing all previous year’s growth.
Pest and Disease Management
‘Great Wall’ persimmons are generally resistant to many common pests and diseases, making them low-maintenance. Good cultural practices, such as proper watering, adequate sunlight, and well-drained soil, contribute to the tree’s natural resilience. Regular inspection for unusual leaf discoloration, spots, or insect activity helps identify potential issues early. Addressing concerns promptly with appropriate organic solutions or preventative measures ensures continued health and productivity.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruit
Knowing When to Harvest
Harvesting ‘Great Wall’ persimmons at the correct time is essential due to their astringent nature. Fruit is ready for picking from late September through November, depending on climate. Indicators of ripeness include deep orange color and very soft, almost mushy, texture. Unlike non-astringent varieties, ‘Great Wall’ persimmons must be fully softened to lose astringency and develop sweet flavor. A perfectly ripe fruit will also have a sweet, aromatic scent.
Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
When harvesting, carefully cut the fruit from the tree with hand pruners or a sharp knife, leaving a small stem portion attached. Handle soft fruit gently to avoid bruising, laying them in a single layer. If picked firm but fully colored, ‘Great Wall’ persimmons can ripen indoors at room temperature until soft. Once fully ripe and soft, they can be eaten fresh; their custard-like texture is best enjoyed with a spoon. For longer storage, ripe persimmons can be refrigerated for a few days, or frozen whole for extended periods, providing a sorbet-like treat when thawed.