Fuyu Persimmon Tree

Sweet, Non-Astringent Fruit That's Ready to Eat Fresh Off the Tree Fuyu persimmons are crisp, sweet, and completely free of the bitter tannins that make other persimmon varieties unpleasant until they're soft and mushy. Unlike astringent types like Hachiya, this non-astringent variety can be eaten firm - bite into one like an apple the moment the skin turns deep orange. No waiting, no guessing, no disappointment. For California home gardens, the Fuyu persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu') is one of the most rewarding deciduous fruit trees you can plant: beautiful tree form, reliable harvests, and fruit that's ready to enjoy straight from the branch. Why You'll Love It Self-Pollinating – Fuyu persimmons are self-pollinating trees. They do not require another tree for fruit production, so even a single tree in a small yard will bear fruit. That said, having another persimmon tree nearby can increase fruit yield. Drought Tolerant Once Established – After the first growing season, this persimmon tree needs minimal supplemental water - a perfect match for California's dry summers and water-wise landscaping goals. Dual-Season Beauty – Enjoy rich fall color as leaves shift to orange and red, then watch bright orange persimmons hang on bare branches well into winter, creating striking ornamental interest when most other trees are dormant. A Long-Lived Investment – With proper care, Fuyu trees can produce fruit for 50 to 60 years. That's decades of homegrown persimmons from a single planting site. Versatile Harvest – Fuyu fruit has a pumpkin-apple flavor profile that works eaten fresh, sliced into salads, dried for snacks, or baked into seasonal desserts. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried for snacks - the options grow with your creativity. What Makes It Different Most persimmons on the market are astringent varieties that require careful ripening until fully ripe and jelly-soft before they're palatable. Miss the window, and you're left with a mouth-puckering experience. The Fuyu persimmon in contrast offers: Non-Astringent Fruit You Can Eat Firm – Fuyu persimmons are sweet and non-astringent fruit. Once the skin turns bright orange, they're ready to enjoy fresh - no need to wait for full softening. The texture is crisp, more like an apple than a soft pear. Self-Fertile, Seedless Harvests – Fuyu trees produce mostly seedless fruit through parthenocarpy. Without cross-pollination, you get clean, seedless fruit with few seeds or none at all. One tree is all you need - a major advantage over many fruit trees that require a pollination partner. Cold Hardy and California-Ready – Fuyu persimmons thrive in USDA zones 7–10, covering nearly all of California. They need only about 200 chill hours to break dormancy and produce fruit - far less demanding than many other deciduous fruit trees. Manageable Size for Residential Landscapes – Fuyu persimmon trees grow 15–20 feet tall with a 15–20 foot spread at maturity, making this medium-sized tree ideal for home orchards, backyard gardens, or designed landscapes without overwhelming the space. How To Grow The Fuyu Persimmon Tree Successfully Plant in Full Sun With Good Drainage Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sun daily. Fuyu persimmons prefer full sun for optimal growth and sweetest fruit. Plant in fall or early spring while the tree is dormant. Ensure rich soil that drains well - raised beds or mounds work if your ground holds water. Fuyu persimmons require well-drained soil for healthy growth. Establish and Watch It Grow Water deeply and consistently through the first growing season to help roots settle in. Fuyu trees can start bearing fruit in 2–4 years from grafted stock. Light fertilization in early spring as buds break supports healthy growth without pushing excessive leaf production at the expense of fruit set. Harvest Sweet Persimmons Every Fall Fuyu persimmons can be harvested in late fall when they turn deep orange - typically October through December in California. The fruit is medium to large with bright orange skin. A mature tree can yield 50–100 pounds of persimmon fruit annually. Pick when firm, and they'll store at room temperature for 1–2 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month. Tree Specifications Mature Height: 15–20 feet tall Mature Spread: 15–20 feet wide Botanical Name: Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu' Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 7–10 (perfect for most of California) Chill Hours Required: Approximately 200 hours below 45°F Bloom Time: Late spring (May–June) Harvest Season: October through December Sun Requirements: Full sun (minimum 6–8 hours) Soil Requirements: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5) Pollination: Self-pollinating; no second tree required Nutrition: Fuyu persimmons are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, with approximately 118 calories, 6g fiber, and 270mg potassium per fruit Included With Purchase: Healthy grafted tree, planting instructions, care guide Who It's For Ideal for: California homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant fruit tree that delivers reliable harvests year after year Edible landscape enthusiasts seeking a beautiful tree that doubles as a food source - pair it with a Pineapple Guava or Strawberry Tree for year-round interest Fresh eating fans who want unique, healthy persimmon fruit for snacking, preserving, or gifting to neighbors Property owners looking to add drought-tolerant plantings that align with California's water-efficiency priorities Landscape designers specifying specimen trees with winter ornamental value, manageable canopy, and deeply fissured bark texture Whether you have a compact courtyard or a sprawling garden, the Fuyu persimmon's mature size fits a wide range of home gardens and landscape designs. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need two trees for fruit production? No. Fuyu persimmon trees are self-pollinating and will produce fruit without a second tree. However, if you plant another persimmon variety nearby to cross-pollinate, you may see a slight increase in yield and occasional seeds in the fruit. How long before I get fruit? Fuyu persimmons can bear fruit in 2–4 years from a grafted tree. Full production typically arrives by year 4–5. When is the best time to plant? Fall through early spring is ideal in California, while the tree is in dormancy. Container-grown trees can be planted any time, though late winter and early spring establishment tends to produce the fastest growth. How much water does it need? Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. Once established (typically by year 2–3), Fuyu persimmon trees are drought tolerant and thrive on occasional deep watering during summer, especially while fruit is developing. Does it need much pruning? Fuyu persimmons have few natural pests or diseases and require minimal pruning. Prune in late winter to remove damaged branches, crossing wood, and root suckers. Thin fruit clusters in early summer to one fruit per cluster to improve fruit size and reduce alternate bearing. Ready to Grow Your Own Sweet Persimmons? Choose Yardwork's healthy, grafted Fuyu persimmon trees - the most popular persimmon for California home gardens - and start your harvest in as little as 2–4 years. Browse our full collection of fruit and specimen trees to plan your perfect edible landscape. Need help choosing the right planting site or checking your soil drainage? Our team offers expert consultation and soil testing to set your tree up for long-term success.