Planting secrets for sweet and juicy golden persimmons
ALTHOUGH not commonly planted in Sarawak, the persimmon tree can actually thrive in local gardens as long as you are willing to follow the correct horticulture practices.
The tree is ideal for low maintenance landscape designs as it can withstand different types of weather conditions. With handsome drooping leaves and fruits that resemble tomatoes, it is an attractive ornamental addition to the garden.
Depending on the variety, some persimmons produce astringent fruits when unripe. However, for all varieties, waiting for the fruit to fully ripen and soften will give you the best flavour.
This is when the fruits will be deliciously honey sweet and juicy with a jelly-like texture. The fruits will also turn a beautiful bright orange or deep yellow when ripe, adding to the tree’s appeal.
We often import this fruit from countries such as China, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. There the harvests can flood the market and, because they don’t have a long shelf life, the fruits are often pressed and dried for use in the long run as a snack or for baking.
The dried and preserved fruits are very sweet and enjoyed during festive seasons or added to desserts. Often the flavour of the dried fruits taste nothing like the fresh variety.
Locally we did see quite a few trees being planted in Bau in the past. The level of fruit settings were quite good except the size of the fruits were not up to the mark commercially — they were somewhat small for the variety compared to those found overseas.
Background
Persimmon is a very productive fruit tree and can now be imported from China and other regions.
The most popular varieties are the Japanese types such as Suruga, Nightingale and Saijo, which has orange-red fruits with good flavour that are sometimes seedless as well.
The American varieties such as Early Golden or Szukis are smaller or medium sized with reddish skin.
Planting tips
Buy plants with healthy roots. Avoid large plants in small or shallow containers as the tap root would likely be long. The bigger older plants tend to be root bound in their containers, making them difficult to establish well in a new environment.
This plant prefers to be placed in relatively sunny or partially shady areas. It is actually easy to grow and can reach up to 15 metres in height if left to spread in its natural state.
Soil pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5 for better results. Ensure that the soil is moist but welldrained as waterlogged conditions would cause root rot.
The depth of the soil is also important for healthy growth over a long period. This is because the tree has a strong tap root, which requires more space to grow.
The tree can withstand periods of drought but regular watering will ensure better fruit quality and size.
Mulching the base of the tree with wood chips and other organic matter would be good.
Persimmons actually require minimal fertilising. Excess levels of nitrogen will cause the fruits to drop. For undernourished plants, add a balanced fertiliser evenly under the canopy.
Overseas, paint is sometimes used to protect the trunk from being scalded by the sun.
This is a technique commonly used in China for landscape trees as it also protects them against severe winters too. Sometimes planters wrap gunny sacks around the main stem to protect the tree from weather changes.
Persimmon trees are sometimes affected by black scale. These insects look like small black dots clinging to the stems and twigs. They suck sap from the tree and weaken it. To control, apply dormant oil to prevent the insects from establishing themselves.
As a final reminder, we do live in a tropical region so good husbandry practices are vital to be able to grow persimmons well. Do give these golden fruits a try.
Send me an email if you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
Happy gardening.