Diospyros virginiana - American Persimmon Seedlings Details

American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) seedlings put down a deep taproot early in life, which is why established trees handle drought so well. They adapt to many soil types, including heavy clay, and thrive on tough sites. Open fields, food plots, edge plantings, and even large home landscapes can benefit from the reliability of a native persimmon tree. The tree grows at a moderate rate and puts most of its energy below ground at first. The reward comes years later in a long-lived, sturdy tree with sweet fall fruit.

Diospyros virginiana Seedlings and Wildlife Value

American persimmon feeds animals and insects year after year. Deer, raccoons, foxes, opossums, and birds all eat the fruit in fall. Additionally, the foliage hosts more than 40 native butterflies and moths, including the massive green luna moth.

Shop Persimmon Seedlings for Sale: Landscape Versatility

Our persimmon seedlings for sale ship at different heights (6-12 or 12-18 inches tall) in packs of 100 or 500. They are a low-cost way to plant food plots, restoration sites, and wildlife areas.

Diospyros virginiana thrives in loam, sand, and clay. Once its taproot is set, it can withstand big shifts in soil moisture throughout the year. It also tolerates heat and humidity. They grow in USDA zones 4 through 9, and they thrive in full sun. Pull the grass and weeds from around each spot before you plant, and keep seedlings about 10 to 15 feet apart. Note that only female persimmon trees fruit, and you can't tell males from females until they bloom, so plant several rather than one.

This plant ships bare root. Plant it as soon as it arrives. Let the roots soak in water for a couple of hours, then plant it with the long root going straight down and water it well. Water once a week in the first summer, especially during dry spells. Persimmons take their time to leaf out, often waiting until late spring, and they grow slowly for the first year or two while the roots get settled.

Planting & Growing Information

Ships: Between November 15 - 29
Planting zone: 4-9
Height at maturity: 30-60 feet
Water needs: Low to Moderate
Sun or shade: Full sun and partial shade
Bloom season: Late spring (May-June)
Care: American persimmon favors well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water thoroughly once a week through the first summer. Expect slow leaf-out. 
Exposure: Persimmon trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. They can handle partial shade but will produce less fruit.
Plant Attributes: Sweet fruit similar to an apricot, host to 40+ native butterflies and moths, golden to red fall leaf color.

Growing Tips: Learn more about growing persimmon trees with our Persimmon seedling guide. You can also explore our collection of tree seedlings to discover more trees for your landscape or home garden.