Izu Persimmon

Diospyrus kaki ‘Izu’

Cool summer and short season growers are in luck! Izu is the earliest-ripening of the improved Asian persimmons. This is a non-astringent selection and is delightful eaten hard or soft. The trees have a graceful, layered form and glossy, medium-green leaves during the growing season. In Autumn, the leaves turn vivid shades of orange, amber and sienna, and after leaf fall the stunning orange fruits hang like little jack o’lanterns on the branches. 

This is the best variety for short or cool summer areas where ripening can be a problem. In dry summer locations make certain to provide weekly water from July until ripening. Ripens up to 3 weeks before Fuyu. Also note: Izu is known for producing lots of excess bark tissue at the graft union when young, and frequently looks like there is tissue disease. The ‘problem’ is confined to the Izu portion of the tree, and does not involve the rootstock. Surplus bark tissue typically resolves within 2-3 years, after which the graft union will look normal. Hardy to 0 degrees F., perhaps lower. Low chill; 100-200 hours below 45F. Self fertile.

USDA Zone: 7-10

Grow Height: 15′

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: October/November

Pollination: Self-Fertile

Click here to read our Persimmon Growing Guide