Zone 3 · Fig & Subtropical Growing Guide

When to Plant Persimmon
in Zone 3

Spectacular in autumn — brilliant orange fruit hanging on bare branches is one of the garden's great sights. American persimmon is very cold-hardy (Zone 4); Asian/Fuyu is milder and sweeter.

Plant outdoors
Apr 15 – May 15
Start indoors
Direct sow
Last Frost
~May 15
Days to harvest
2–5 years to first harvest
Difficulty
Easy
Plant now — Zone 3
Harvest window: Oct – Nov

Planting Calendar

In Zone 3, Persimmon should be planted outdoors Apr 15 – May 15, after the average last frost date of approximately May 15.

American persimmon (Meader variety) is hardy to -25°F. Astringent type only.

Care Guide

Sunlight
Full sun · 6–8 hrs/day
Watering
Low
Spacing
144–216 inches
Soil
Well-draining, adaptable
Days to maturity
2–5 years to first harvest
Soil pH
6.0–7.5
plant tip · Zone 3

American persimmon (Meader variety) is hardy to -25°F. Astringent type only.

Feeding Schedule

How often
twice a year
Feed type
balanced
Key timing
early spring and midsummer

Light to moderate feeder. Balanced feed in spring and midsummer. Avoid excess nitrogen which delays fruit ripening.

Companion Planting for Persimmon

What you plant next to persimmon makes a real difference — some plants actively help, others compete or attract pests.

Grows well with
  • Comfrey
  • Clover
Keep away from

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    Common questions

    In Zone 3, direct sow persimmon outdoors Apr 15 – May 15 after your last frost date of approximately May 15. American persimmon (Meader variety) is hardy to -25°F. Astringent type only.
    Zone 3 has an average last spring frost of approximately May 15 and a first fall frost around Sep 15. These dates vary by specific location — use your ZIP code in the plant app for precision based on the nearest NOAA weather station.
    Good companion crops for persimmon include Comfrey, Clover. Avoid planting near , which can compete for nutrients or attract pests.
    Persimmon typically takes 2–5 years to first harvest from transplant or direct sow to harvest in Zone 3. Expected harvest window: Oct – Nov.

    Free app · iOS February 2028

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    Persimmon in other zones
    Trees & Shrubs