Diospyros virginiana 'Garretson'

Diospyros virginiana 'Garretson' is an Eastern persimmon selected for its large, sweet fruit. Closely related to ‘Early Golden’ persimmon, it is also an early-fruiting persimmon cultivar and is widely regarded as one of the most cold-hardy and reliable varieties.

Eastern persimmon also known as American persimmon or common persimmon, is native from Connecticut to Kansas and south to Florida and Texas. While its fruit is smaller than that of Asian persimmons, Eastern persimmons are significantly more cold hardy. The ‘Garretson’ variety is hardy to zone 4b (-31.5 °C).

The deep orange fruit of Diospyros virginiana ‘Garretson’ is large for an eastern persimmon, measuring up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. The flesh is sweet, rich, and flavourful, with few to no seeds. The fruit of this cold-hardy persimmon is excellent for eating fresh off the tree and is also well suited for baking, preserves, and a wide range of desserts. When fully mature, Garretson persimmons are highly nutritious, offering high levels of antioxidants, dietary fibre, and vitamin A. This is an early-ripening persimmon variety, with harvest typically beginning in October. Fruit should be allowed to soften at which point the flavour becomes intensely sweet - often described as candy-like. Unripe persimmons are highly astringent - biting into one before it is ready is a mistake you will only make once! Birds, squirrels and other wildlife, are also drawn to the fruit, so timely harvesting is recommended.

The glossy green leaves of ‘Garretson’ turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange in autumn, adding ornamental value to the landscape. Small (approximately 1 cm), fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers bloom in June and attract pollinators. Cross-pollination with a different American persimmon variety is essential for optimal fruit production; planting a Diospyros virginiana ‘Male Persimmon’ within 30 m will ensure heavier crops, often exceeding 13 kg (30 lb) per tree. Garretson persimmon trees typically begin fruiting within 2-3 years.

Diospyros virginiana is a deciduous tree with a rounded to oval crown and an upright growth habit, capable of reaching 18 m (60 ft) at maturity. However, with regular pruning, ‘Garretson’ can be maintained as a small to medium-sized tree under 4 m (12 ft). It is often grown as an ornamental landscape tree due to its attractive foliage and decorative, yet edible fruit. A member of the ebony family (Ebenaceae), persimmon wood is extremely hard and was historically used for golf club heads and billiard cues.

Garretson Persimmon prefers full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil but becomes drought tolerant once established. No serious insect or disease problems are known. If fruit does not fully ripen on the tree before frost, it can be further matured in cold storage; temperatures should remain above 4 °C to prevent deterioration of fruit texture.

Be patient - persimmons are among the last plants to break dormancy in spring. Watering while dormant will not accelerate growth and may even be detrimental. In cool springs, Garretson American persimmon trees may take longer than expected to leaf out; they simply require more heat to awaken.