Fuyu persimmons, known for their sweet, non-astringent fruit, are a popular choice for home gardeners. Growing them from cuttings ensures an exact genetic replica of the parent tree, preserving desired fruit characteristics. This method avoids the variations and long waiting periods associated with growing from seed. Propagating Fuyu persimmons from cuttings requires careful attention but is rewarding for expanding an orchard or sharing trees.
Understanding Fuyu Persimmon Cuttings
Propagating Fuyu persimmons from cuttings is moderately challenging, as they are difficult-to-root woody species. Success rates vary, so take multiple cuttings to increase establishment likelihood. Semi-hardwood cuttings are often recommended, balancing the tenderness of softwood with the maturity of hardwood.
Softwood cuttings, from new growth, root quickly but are prone to stress. Hardwood cuttings, collected during dormancy, are generally more difficult to root. Root suckers, shoots emerging from roots, are also a viable source due to their juvenile state.
Collecting and Preparing Your Cuttings
Collect Fuyu persimmon cuttings from late summer to autumn or late winter to early spring, before buds swell. Mid-spring after new growth is also an option for softwood cuttings. Select healthy, disease-free semi-hardwood branches, about pencil-sized and 6 to 8 inches long, from the current season’s growth.
Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears for clean cuts and to prevent disease. Make a clean cut just below a node, where roots are most likely to form. Remove leaves from the bottom half of the cutting; consider cutting larger upper leaves in half to reduce moisture loss. Immediately dip the base into a rooting hormone to enhance root development. Keep cuttings moist, perhaps wrapped in damp newspaper, until planting.
Establishing Roots
Use a well-draining rooting medium for Fuyu persimmon cuttings to prevent root rot and ensure air circulation. Options include perlite and peat mix, river sand, or equal parts fine potting mix and river sand. Containers need drainage holes.
Create a hole with a stick, then gently insert the treated cutting 2 to 3 inches deep, burying at least one node. Avoid pushing the cutting directly into the medium to prevent stem damage.
Maintain specific environmental conditions for rooting. High humidity prevents drying, achievable with a plastic bag or humidity dome. Keep the rooting environment warm, ideally above 68°F (20°C), with some suggesting 75-90°F. Bright, indirect light is preferred; direct sun causes stress. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and mist cuttings periodically for humidity.
Caring for Young Persimmon Plants
New leaf growth often signals root formation, though visual confirmation by gently tugging or observing roots from drainage holes is more definitive. New leaves can appear before significant root development, so patience is needed. Once roots establish (typically weeks to months), gradually acclimatize plants to lower humidity and normal conditions. This means progressively increasing time without plastic covering over several weeks.
During this transition, ensure bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. Young plants don’t need immediate heavy fertilization; focus on root development and acclimatization. When rooted cuttings are ready for transplanting, handle them carefully to minimize root disturbance.
Early spring or late fall are good transplant times. Ensure the site has full sun and well-drained soil, and water thoroughly after transplanting. Monitor for pests and protect from extreme weather during the first year.