The persimmon is the fruit of the persimmon tree, which grows in the tropical regions of Asia and also in southern Europe. The cultivation of persimmon plants from seeds is easy. However, the seeds are rarely found in the purchased fruit.
The persimmon tree is one of the ebony plants. The following types are commercially available:
- Diospyros kaki (due to frost sensitivity in most areas of Germany is only suitable for bucket cultivation),
- Diospyros virginiana (also suitable for free-range farming outside the wine-growing regions),
- Diospyros Lotus (very robust, often used as a grafting base).
The kaki plants do not require extensive care, they are not susceptible to diseases and pests. Harvesting the ripe persimmons in your own garden remains an exception in most regions of Germany. With the persimmon trees you have grown yourself, you will have to wait 4-6 years for the first harvest anyway.
The Sowing
Hardly any seeds are found in commercially available fruits. These are best ordered from the numerous mail order shops for exotic plants. The seeds should first be stratified. After going through the cold period of about two months (in the refrigerator, in a can with moistened kitchen paper), put the seeds in the potting soil and only lightly cover them.
The seeds should be kept warm, light and evenly moist. The normal room temperature of about 22° C is sufficient for germination. The germination time depends on the temperature of the substrate and can be 2-4 weeks. A greenhouse or a cover made of transparent film, which keeps the humidity and temperature constant, is helpful.
Treatment of the seedlings
The seedlings need a lot of light for their development, but no blazing sun. The substrate should still be kept moist but not too wet. It is best to use a spray bottle to water. The seedlings are isolated when the pot gets too small and transplanted when a root ball has formed.
tips and tricks
The plants that you get in stores are grafted, i. H. created by connecting two plant parts - a rootstock and scion. In this way, the desired properties (frost resistance, growth, fruit properties) are cultivated in the varieties offered.