Potted Persimmon Trees: Ideal Container Size & Care Tips

Enjoying the delicious taste of fresh persimmons may not always be possible due to limited space or climate constraints for growing a full-sized persimmon tree. But, there are alternative methods of growing persimmon trees in smaller areas, allowing you to still savor your favorite fruit!

Can you grow a persimmon tree in a container? A persimmon tree can be grown in a container if it is large enough and the roots have plenty of room to grow. When growing in a container, it is important to fertilize the tree frequently and repot it every few years for the best chance of growing bountiful harvests of persimmons.

While you may have other trees growing in containers, persimmon trees require specific care to ensure they will thrive and produce abundant fruit.

Read on to learn how to grow a persimmon tree in a container, what size container you need, and other growing tips so you can enjoy a backyard bounty, even without a yard!

Growing Persimmon Trees in Containers – What To Know

While It is possible to grow persimmon trees in containers, it is important to know that they won’t do well in just any container.

Persimmon trees have long taproots that require a lot of soil space to grow. Taproots secure the tree and absorb ample nutrients. Not every container will allow a persimmon tree to grow well, so it is important to pick one large enough with good drainage.

Recommended Container Size for Persimmon Trees

Since a container gives the tree only a limited amount of space, it is important to plant into a pot that is at least 22 to 24 inches wide and deep. The larger the pot, the more space the tree’s roots will have.

A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is 2 to 3 times larger than the root ball so it has ample space to grow for the next few years.

Many rounded pots are measured in gallon sizes, and most nurseries sell trees in 5-gallon containers. It is ideal to repot a persimmon tree in a pot that is 10 or 15 gallons, but anything larger may become cumbersome.

If your goal is to keep the tree protected from dropping temperatures when the seasons change, make sure you choose a pot size that is manageable to move and not too large or heavy once filled with soil.

How Often Should You Repot Your Persimmon Tree?

As you watch your persimmon tree grow branches and abundant foliage above the soil, it is also quickly growing roots below the soil! If growing in a container, it is important to repot your tree every 2-3 years so it will have soil space to continue to grow.

A good indicator that the tree needs to be repotted is if you notice that the roots have become matted within the pot and it appears there are more roots than soil!

It is a good idea to repot your persimmon tree after 2-3 years of being in the same pot or if you begin to notice its health declining after it had been thriving for a few years.

A close-up look at couple of ripe persimmons growing on a tree.

Growing Persimmon Trees in “Smart Pots“

Smart pots are made of fabric rather than typical solid materials. Since they are made of fabric, these porous pots allow for better regulation of moisture, air, and temperature for the roots.

It is shown that smart pots promote the growth of small nutrient-absorbing roots grown by a tree’s root system, helping to provide abundant nutrients to produce fruit and leaves.

In comparison to the large tap roots the tree normally grows in solid containers, this reduces the chances of it becoming rootbound quickly.

Smart pots are great, but you should be cautious if growing them on bare earth or on grass. A tree’s roots can penetrate through the fabric bottom and into the ground, making them immovable.

Rotate your tree, or move it slightly every so often to prevent the roots from taking hold of the ground.

Size of Dwarf Persimmon Trees & Ideal Pot Size

A dwarf tree may give the impression it won’t produce as much fruit, but in reality, it will still produce abundantly!

A dwarf persimmon tree is a great way to grow a more proportionate size tree if growing in a container. They will grow to be between 8 and 10 feet tall at maturity and not outgrow their pot as quickly.

The ideal pot size for dwarf trees is the same as regular-size trees and should be directly related to the tree’s root ball, being at least two times larger.

Best Places To Buy Potted Persimmon Trees Online

Locating persimmon trees can be difficult since they are beloved by so many! Try one of these websites for a variety of persimmon trees and helpful growing information based on the specific variety you pick.

Tips for Helping Container-Grown Persimmon Trees Thrive

While a container isn’t a tree’s natural environment, there are a few things you can do to help them thrive in a container for years to come! See the list below for great tips on growing your persimmon tree in a container.

Plant your tree in loamy, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
Never allow your tree to sit in standing water. Plant it in a container with drainage holes.
Persimmon trees prefer infrequent deep watering rather than scheduled, frequent watering.
Most persimmon trees do not tolerate the cold, so it may be necessary to bring your potted tree inside if you are in a USDA Zone below 8, depending on your variety.
Fertilize your persimmon tree seasonally before leaves form in the spring with a fertilizer that has balanced nutrients with an NPK of 5-5-5 (this one is excellent).

How Much Fruit Can You Expect From Potted Persimmon Trees?

Potted persimmon trees will usually produce less than in-ground persimmon trees, but they will still produce abundantly if given the nutrients they need. As long as the tree is of bearing age (6-8 years old), you should get anywhere from 15-30 persimmons or more per season!

Conclusion

While fresh persimmons grown in your backyard may seem like a dream, it is a complete reality! Choosing the right pot is the most important part, but from there, as long as you care for it regularly, you should have fresh persimmons for seasons to come!