Persimmon Tree Seeds (Diospyros spp.)
Persimmon Tree Seeds (Diospyros spp.)
Golden fruit. Ancient roots. Sweetness with staying power.
Diospyros virginiana, the American Persimmon, is a cold-hardy native tree known for its glowing orange fruit, glossy foliage, and remarkable resilience. This species has been cherished for centuries—first by Indigenous peoples and early settlers—for its rich, honey-like flavor that intensifies after frost. Beyond its edible appeal, the tree adds brilliant fall color and strong wildlife value, feeding deer, birds, and pollinators alike.
- Produces sweet, flavorful fruit high in fiber and antioxidants
- Glossy green leaves turn fiery orange-red in fall
- Native to North America and thrives in a wide range of soils
- Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance once established
- Valuable for wildlife—deer, turkeys, and songbirds love the fruit
Growing Details
Botanical Name: Diospyros virginiana
Stratification: Required (90–120 days cold stratification)
USDA Zones: 4–9
Soil: Well-drained, loamy to sandy soils; tolerates clay
Light: Full sun
Height: 30–60 feet
Spread: 20–30 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Plant it for an heirloom harvest that connects generations—ornamental, ecological, and naturally sweet.
FAQ
Do American Persimmons need more than one tree to fruit?
Yes. American Persimmons are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. For fruit production, plant at least two trees for pollination.
When do American Persimmons ripen?
They typically ripen in late fall, and their flavor becomes sweeter and more complex after the first frost.
Are American Persimmons edible straight from the tree?
Yes—but the fruit tastes best once fully soft and ripe. Frost or natural ripening removes astringency, leaving a rich, honey-sweet flavor.
Related Seeds
- Pawpaw Tree Seeds — Native tropical flavor and creamy fruit
- Black Walnut Tree Seeds — Hardy nut tree with deep-rooted heritage
- American Plum Tree Seeds — Tart-sweet native fruit for jams and wildlife
Evergreen Seed Co. is trusted by growers nationwide for rare, resilient, and high-germination tree seeds. Each order is carefully sourced, tested, and packaged with full planting instructions.
FAQ
FAQ
Do you pre-stratify the seeds?
Most of our seeds are not pre-stratified. We ship them unstratified so you can control germination timing based on your local growing season. We sell to all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, and since each region has different planting windows, pre-stratifying would risk seeds germinating in transit or before you're ready to plant.
True stratification requires cold, moist conditions, which can lead to premature sprouting or mold if not timed properly. To avoid this, we store most seeds in dry cold conditions to preserve viability — but this does not initiate stratification.
Do any of your seeds need to stay moist? (Recalcitrant seeds)
Yes — some species we offer are recalcitrant, meaning they must remain moist to stay viable and cannot be dried out. Examples include: Chestnut, Hazelnut, Paw Paw, etc.
These seeds are shipped in moist cold storage and are clearly labeled on the product page when applicable. Please refrigerate immediately upon arrival and follow included care instructions.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship to the United States and Canada only. Unfortunately, we cannot ship to other countries without a phytosanitary certificate, which is required by most international customs agencies.
If you're interested in shipping outside North America, please contact us. Note that a phytosanitary certificate typically adds $60–$80 USD per seed type and must be arranged in advance.
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & What's Included
Shipping & Packaging
Hand-packed in resealable zipper kraft paper seed bags
Stratification and planting instructions included with every order
1 free bonus seed pack included with every order
Ships within 3–5 business days via USPS
Return Policy
Return Policy
Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns on seeds.
However, if your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days and we’ll make it right.
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