Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Persimmons ( Diospyros sp. )
Oriental persimmons ( D. kai ) are hardy in zones 7 through 10 and usually grow no larger than a
medium tree. We had one in our Texas home that was only about 6 feet tall as it had been grafted
on dwarfing rootstock. American persimmons ( D. virginiana ) are medium to large trees, some
reaching 70 feet or more, and are hardy in zones 4 through 10.
Persimmons are rock stars in the landscape as they are gorgeous summer trees, have interesting
bark in the winter, and of course, the bright orange fruits are highly ornamental in the autumn.
The only season it doesn't shine is the spring, because the flowers come later in the season and are
an unnoticeable green color. Most persimmons are self-fertile but a few of them do better with
cross-pollination.
American persimmons should be harvested after the fruit becomes slightly soft, usually after a
frost or two. Oriental persimmons can be picked before fully ripe, but after the color matures,
and allowed to ripen on the counter. Persimmons can be frozen, and in many cultures they were
fermented.
Plums ( Prunus sp. )
Plums have beautiful spring flowers and delicious fruit, with easy-to-grow cultivars available in
most areas, but can be variable in fruit set and disease resistance. There are European plums (hardy
in zones 4 through 8), Oriental plums (hardy in zones 6 through 10), American plums, and many
hybrids, and each react a little bit differently. Most plums grow small- or medium-sized naturally
and often have an open, shrubby growth habit.
Spring blooms are fragrant and beautiful, and the succulent fruit is a boon to the backyard farmer.
We have wild plums that grow in this area that most just call “sand plums” although I don't know
what their proper scientific name is. Like apples and pears, plums do better if the fruit is thinned
early in the spring. Plum branches can grow so heavy from the weight of the fruit that they break
right off the tree!
Plums should be pruned to an open shape when they are young. Provide plenty of sun and clean up
any old growth or sucker sprouts you find popping up in the spring. And while you should prune
each year for the best fruiting results, I must admit to walking along the creek bed and picking
wild plums that haven't been touched in years. That's the get-it-doneist coming out in me, though.
When the plums are in my immediate yard landscape, they get a lot more hands-on care.
Over the Garden Fence
Diseases are more common in humid areas and if plums are overcrowded. Disease-resistant varieties will
help prevent problems with your plums, so check the labels and descriptions carefully. It will help to make
sure you are planting plums that are resistant to the diseases most common in your particular region, so
check with your local extension office to see which pests and diseases to watch out for.
 
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