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Persimmon

Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Category

tropical

Price

KES 1,500

Time to Fruit

3-4 years

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Persimmon seedling successfully

Watering

Persimmons require 800-1,200 mm of well-distributed rainfall annually. In semi-arid areas, drip irrigation during dry spells (January-March, June-September) ensures consistent moisture. Regular watering is essential during establishment and fruiting periods.

Sunlight

Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit development. Avoid shaded sites to maximize yields. Full sun exposure is essential for sweet, high-quality fruits.

Soil Requirements

Thrives in deep, well-drained loamy or sandy soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Add organic matter like compost to enhance fertility. Avoid soils with high salinity or boron. Test soil pH and amend as needed before planting.

Temperature

Prefers 20°C-35°C, with no significant chilling requirement, unlike many deciduous fruits. Tolerates warm, temperate climates well. Avoid areas with prolonged frost below 0°C.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Use organic manure (10-15 kg per tree) mixed with soil at planting. Apply NPK 10-5-5 quarterly during active growth periods.

Spacing

Space trees 4-6 meters between rows and 3-4 meters within rows, fitting 400-700 trees per acre. Adjust spacing based on variety and soil fertility. Wider spacing allows for better air circulation and easier management.

Time to Fruit

Grafted seedlings typically fruit within 3-4 years. First harvest yields increase with proper care and irrigation. Popular varieties include Fuyu (non-astringent, sweet when firm, ideal for fresh eating) and Hachiya (astringent, needs full ripening, perfect for processing into jams or dried fruits).

Pest & Disease Management

Pests:

  • Whiteflies
  • Thrips
  • and Mites (cause premature fruit drop, spray Sevin 885 ppm three times at monthly intervals after petal fall or use neem-based sprays for organic farming)
  • Fruit Flies (set up pheromone traps or wrap fruits in biodegradable bags to prevent egg-laying)
  • Birds (use netting or reflective tape to protect ripening fruits)

Diseases:

  • Root Rot (caused by waterlogging or chemical exposure, ensure well-drained soils, use manure mixed with ash, and sprinkle ash at the root stem, avoid inorganic fertilizers and sprays)
  • Anthracnose (fungal disease causing fruit rot, apply copper-based fungicides during wet seasons and remove fallen debris)
  • Leaf Spot (use sulfur-based fungicides and maintain airflow through pruning)

Planting:

  • Plant during the rainy season (March-May or October-November)
  • mixing soil with 10 kg of manure. Plant seedlings with graft union above soil level.

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Cold/Frost Damage

Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.

Thrips Damage

Use blue sticky traps to monitor. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure proper spacing for good air circulation. Remove weeds that serve as hosts.

Spider Mite Infestation

Increase humidity around plants. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use neem oil or miticides if severe. Avoid dusty conditions that favor mites.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Ready to start growing?

Order this premium Persimmon seedling today and begin your agricultural success story