What Does Fuyu Persimmon Need in the Soil?

Amendments

• Oriental persimmons like fuyu adapt well to a variety of soil types, but growth is best in a well-drained soil that is high in loam content. The preferred soil pH is anywhere between 6.0 to 6.5. In soils with low pH or acidic soils, add lime to increase the pH levels and reduce acidity. Fix soil pH as the availability of many nutrients reduces when plants are grown in acidic soil.

Fertilizer

• Fuyu persimmons respond well to the application of fertilizer in the soil, especially when trees are in the peak fruit-bearing age. The North Carolina State University Extension recommends 1 oz. of actual nitrogen per year for every year of tree age. Avoid excessive use of nitrogen as this can cause early fruit drop. Conduct a soil test to determine exact requirements for phosphorus and potassium in soil. Late winter or early spring is the recommended time to fertilize the tree.

Water

• Keep the soil of fuyu persimmons moist with regular applications of water for best growth. The tree is only moderately tolerant of drought and produces larger size, better quality fruit with ample water in the soil. Dry soil causes fruit and foliage drop. Recommended irrigation rate is 36 to 48 inches of water annually with heavier watering in summer and spring and less water during fall and winter.

Mulch

• Add mulch to the soil after planting fuyu persimmons as this helps to conserve soil moisture and regulates soil temperature. Mulching also helps to keep weeds in check. Organic mulches help to improve soil structure as they slowly decompose. Soft mulches like straw or leaves provide a cushion for ripe fruit as it falls. Recommended mulch materials include grass clippings, sawdust, hay and straw.