Native to Asia, specifically China and Japan, the persimmon produces fruits that at first look like large orange tomatoes, but which cling to the branches like apples. They are fruits with juicy and very sweet pulp, expected especially in the autumn season.
The persimmon grows well in any type of soil and can be grown in a pot if desired, but in this case, reduced development and lower fruit production is expected compared to plants grown in full soil. For good plant development, you must remember to transplant the plant into increasingly larger pots to ensure a sufficient amount of soil for the roots. Fertilize and water regularly and protect your tree from frequent and widespread attacks by insects and parasites.
- 1.Description and variety
- 2.When and how to plant it
- 3.Soil and fertilizer
- 4.Irrigation
- 5.Multiplication
- 6.Pruning
- 7.Diseases and parasites
Description and variety
The persimmon (Diospyros kaki) originally from China belongs to the Ebenaceae family and is considered a subtropical species, but today it adapts to the most diverse climatic conditions. Even in our country, persimmons are currently grown throughout the peninsula, although in the north the younger plants are in danger of not being able to tolerate the humidity of the winter.
The most common varieties in Italy are the Romagna Lotus , which produces intense orange-yellow fruits with soft, very sweet and almost gelatinous flesh, and the Campania Vanilla, with firmer flesh than lotus and a lighter color. dark. Of the apple persimmons, the Fuyu, Suruga, O’Gosho and Jiro varieties are especially valued.
When and how to plant it
The best time to transplant a persimmon is the autumn and winter months until early spring. To plant a plant, you must first dig a pit of approximately 70x70x70 cm. After placing the collared plant just above the soil surface, cover it with composted soil and press down gently with your feet. Then water the plant for better rooting.
Soil and fertilizer
The ideal soil for persimmon cultivation should be fertile and drained to avoid the risk of water stagnation . As for fertilizer, it is ideal to add manure or some slow-release product.
Irrigation
The persimmon is a relatively rustic species, so it tolerates the dry season well . If the summer is particularly hot, it is best to schedule additional watering.
Multiplication
Persimmons are propagated mostly by grafting . What does this mean? It is a method of propagation that involves joining two parts of different but similar plants to form a single individual. In practice, the living part of the plant, called the nest , is welded to another part with roots, called the rootstock . To revive rootstock plants, sowing is also usually done with seeds extracted from the fruits.
Pruning
The first rule of good pruning is to do it sparingly and leave plenty of buds on the branches . At the same time, it is necessary to thin the branches that are too strong to reduce the premature drop of small fruits due to the lack of light on the leaves, a condition that can also encourage the presence of mealybugs. Therefore, it is recommended to thin out the branches towards the end of winter and ensure that the remaining ones are far enough away.
Diseases and parasites
The persimmon is subject to various diseases and attacks by parasites. Baking soda dissolved in water is often used to stop a fungus known as powdery mildew or white disease ; To prevent the spread of gray mold , copper green is used instead. The persimmon can also be affected by an insect called sesia , a moth whose larvae burrow into the bark of the plant: a sure sign of its presence is yellowing, if not wilting. Another danger is the propeller ( Ceratitis capitata ), which can be avoided by never leaving the fruits on the plant after ripening. In addition, the persimmon can be attacked by scale insects, which are repelled by spraying fern macerates on the plant or treating it with mineral oils.
