Diospyros kaki
TAXONOMY
FamilyEbenaceae
GenusDiospyros
Zone7
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Diospyros kaki, commonly known as the Japanese persimmon or kaki, is a deciduous tree or shrub native to China, Korea, and Japan. It belongs to the family Ebenaceae and is known for its edible fruit, which is often consumed fresh, dried, or cooked. The plant prefers temperate climates and can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Persimmon
Diospyros amara
Diospyros argyi
Diospyros bertii
Diospyros chinensis
Diospyros costata
Diospyros kaempferi
Diospyros kaki var. aurantium
Diospyros kaki var. domestica
Diospyros kaki var. elliptica
Diospyros kaki var. kaki
Diospyros kaki var. macrantha
Diospyros kaki var. sahuti
Diospyros kaki var. silvestris
Diospyros lycopersicon
Diospyros mazelii
Diospyros roxburghii
Diospyros schi-tse
Diospyros schitze
Diospyros sinensis
Diospyros sphenophylla
Diospyros trichocarpa
Diospyros wieseneri
Embryopteris kaki
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
GDD2,700
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Diospyros kaki requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers a humid environment. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings. The plant benefits from a well-draining soil and should be protected from extreme cold.Harvest
Diospyros kaki, commonly known as the persimmon, should be harvested in the fall when the fruit is fully ripe and has a deep orange color. The fruit should be soft to the touch but not mushy. To harvest, gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree, taking care not to damage the branches. It is important to handle the fruit carefully to avoid bruising. Persimmons can be left to ripen further at room temperature if they are still slightly firm at the time of harvest.Soil
The Japanese persimmon prefers loamy soil that is well-draining. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soil with good fertility and moderate moisture retention. Ensure the soil is slightly acidic to neutral in pH.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, typically in spring and summer, to support healthy growth and fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.Repotting
Repot young Diospyros kaki plants every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and adequate space for root growth. When repotting, choose a container that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in early spring before new growth begins.Propagation
Diospyros kaki can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. Seed propagation should be done in spring, while cuttings can be taken in late summer. Grafting is often used for commercial cultivation to ensure desirable fruit characteristics.Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of the plant. Prune Diospyros kaki in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and light penetration.Toxicity
Diospyros kaki is not toxic to pets or humans. The fruit is edible and widely consumed, but unripe fruit can be astringent and should be avoided until fully ripe.Additional
To ensure a good harvest, consider planting more than one tree to improve pollination. Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Protect young trees from frost and strong winds.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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