Chocolate Persimmon
A hard to find Asian Persimmon, Chocolate Persimmon is a very unique Persimmon that when ripe has brown flesh that is very sweet. Chocolate Persimmon is a non-astringent variety with an acorn shape. Though many sources, including us in the past, have said that Chocolate was synonymous with Maru, the folks at Dave Wilson Nursery have enlightened us to the fact that they are two distinct varieties. Both have brown flesh, (only when pollinated in the case of Maru), so this is likely what has led to the confusion. Chocolate tends to have more male flowers than many vaieties, making it a great pollinator, but also produces an abundance of delicious, incredibly sweet fruits.
Check out this wonderful article, Tracking The Elusive ‘Chocolate’ Persimmon, written by Rachael Myrow for NPR.
Probably the most widely planted fruit tree in the world, Persimmons are found throughout Asia in almost every yard and orchard. Large, bright orange, Asian Persimmon features yellow, orange and scarlet fall color and their striking fruits remain on the tree long after leaf fall. Hardy to 0 degrees F., Asian Persimmons are easy to grow in the Northwest and other regions of the U.S. with mild winters. Naturally compact trees, Asian Persimmons rarely exceed 12ft. in height. Asian Persimmon is not bothered by pests or disease and likes half day to full sun and well-drained soil. Our varieties are self-fertile and hardy to USDA Zone 7. They begin bearing 2-3 years after planting and the fruit ripens in October.
Latin Name: Diospyros kaki
Site and Soil: Asian Persimmon like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Diospyros lotus
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to at least 0°F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 12ft with regular pruning. (Without pruning Persimmon can reach upwards of 20ft)
Taste: Very sweet
Fruit Flesh: Brown when ripe
Bloom Time: June
Ripening Time: October
Yield: 50+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: With proper care and placement Persimmon trees are not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 7-10