If we’re looking for a fruit that’s both delicious and full of benefits, Japanese sweet persimmons are a perfect pick. They’re not only sweet and crisp but also relatively easy to grow once we know the tricks.

Whether we’re planning a large orchard or just want a couple of trees in the backyard, this guide will help us get started the right way—with clear steps and practical tips.

Let’s Start from the Root: The Right Propagation Method

To grow Japanese sweet persimmons successfully, we often use the rootstock of hardy varieties like soft date-plum or wild persimmons. These rootstocks have shallow main roots but strong side roots, making them great for resisting cold and drought. The best time to graft is between December and late February, just before the buds start to swell. We should choose healthy scion wood from last year’s fruitful branches, making sure they are disease-free and full of energy.

For varieties like the ‘Fuyu’ sweet persimmon, which don’t always get along with certain rootstocks, we may need a two-step grafting method. First, graft a more compatible sweet persimmon variety, then graft ‘Fuyu’ on top of that. After grafting, keep the humidity right and remove any unwanted sprouts from the rootstock. The best time for transplanting is between December and March.

Choosing the Perfect Spot to Grow

Japanese sweet persimmons adapt well to different environments. They can grow on gentle slopes, forest edges, or even unused land. But ideally, we want deep, slightly acidic, sandy loam soil with good drainage and sunlight. A plot of about 10–50 mu (about 1.6–8 acres) is ideal for easy management. We should align planting trenches from north to south to ensure even sunlight and ventilation.

Picking the Right Variety: Sweetness Comes in Many Types

There are many varieties of Japanese sweet persimmons. Some ripen early, others in mid or late season. Some have no seeds at all. For better results, we can go for well-known types like ‘Jiro’, ‘Fuyu’, and ‘Yangfeng’. High-yield, stable-producing ones like Xingjin No. 20 and No. 22 are also excellent. If we want more pollen for better fruit setting, go for varieties like ‘Zenjimaru’ or ‘New Autumn’.

Time to Get Dirty: Land Prep and Planting

We should prepare the land months before planting so the soil has time to loosen and enrich. For hole planting, dig 1m x 1m x 0.8m holes. On slopes, dig planting trenches along contour lines for better water retention. Before planting, apply a mix of compost and compound fertilizer into the holes. When planting, fill with topsoil first, plant the tree slightly higher than the graft union, press the soil firm, water deeply, and cover with straw to keep warm.

Spacing Matters: How Close Should Trees Be?

To maximize early production, we usually plant a bit more densely in the beginning—about 2m x 3m or 3m x 4m between trees. Once the trees mature and start crowding, we can transplant some to a new area.

Moving Big Trees? Yes, We Can!

Sometimes we need to move larger trees due to space or land use changes. For trees over 5 years old, it’s important to bring along at least 100kg of soil around the roots. Make sure the new site has similar or better growing conditions, and always balance root cutting with canopy pruning to reduce stress.

Keep Them Happy: Water and Fertilizer Tips

After planting, we should water thoroughly and regularly, depending on weather and soil moisture. Fertilizing is crucial: young trees need more nitrogen, while mature trees benefit from balanced feeding throughout the year—especially before budding, during fruit development, and after harvest. Foliar feeding can also improve fruit shine and sweetness.

Shaping for Success: Pruning and Training

Young persimmons naturally take on a wide, open shape. We can guide them into forms like open-center or layered structure by trimming wisely. Good pruning helps with light, air, and future productivity. During the growing season, we’ll want to pinch and guide new shoots. In the dormant season, we can focus on removing weak or crowded branches and preparing the tree for next year’s growth.

Better Flowers, Better Fruits

Encouraging flower and fruit development means keeping the tree strong and well-fed. For younger or weaker trees, spraying with a solution of multi-nutrients or even doing manual pollination can help. Once the tree starts bearing too many fruits, thinning is necessary to avoid small or poor-quality results. The rule? One fruit per 15–20 leaves, evenly spaced around the tree.

Let’s Protect Our Efforts: Pest and Disease Control

Major threats include leaf spot, anthracnose, and pests like scale insects and aphids. Prevention is key. In winter, we clean up fallen leaves and remove old bark. Before buds open, spray lime-sulfur mix. When pests show up, we use safe and effective pesticides—always following proper dilution ratios.

And Now the Sweet Reward: Health and Taste

Japanese sweet persimmons are rich in natural sugars, minerals like phosphorus and iron, and are low in fiber—making them crisp and refreshing like apples and pears. Their benefits go beyond taste, too. Traditionally, they’ve been used to soothe coughs, lower blood pressure, and support overall wellness.

Ready to Grow Your Own Sweet Harvest, Lykkers?

We hope this guide gave you all the details you need to start growing Japanese sweet persimmons—from planting to pruning, and from fertilizing to fruit picking. Watching a tree take root and thrive under your care is not only rewarding, but also a beautiful reminder of nature’s rhythm.

Got questions while planting? Or maybe you’ve already seen your first blossoms? Share your journey with us—we’re here to cheer you on and grow together!

How to Grow a Persimmon Tree, Complete Growing Guide!

Video by The Gardening Channel With James Prigioni