Pepe's Fruit Trees • Davie, Florida
Persimmon Trees for South Florida
Compare Triumph, Hudson, South Florida Persimmon and Tropical Persimmon, then learn how to plant, water, fertilize, prune and harvest these proven astringent persimmons in a warm Florida climate.
I have more than 30 years of experience growing and selling tropical and subtropical fruit trees in South Florida. This guide combines that firsthand experience with current Florida persimmon guidance so buyers can choose trees more carefully.
Shop Available Fruit TreesCan Persimmon Trees Grow in South Florida?
Yes. The specific low-chill persimmons featured on this page are proven South Florida performers. Triumph and Hudson have produced reliably in warm South Florida conditions for experienced growers, and astringent persimmons generally perform better here than standard nonastringent types. The key is purchasing a correctly identified, well-propagated tree selected for our climate.
Pepe's Key Persimmon Takeaways
- Choose a cultivar with a proven low-chill history for warm Florida conditions.
- Expect astringent varieties to remain unpleasant until fully colored and soft unless treated after harvest.
- Plant in full sun and well-drained soil; avoid standing water and saline sites.
- Use fertilizer conservatively because too much nitrogen can create weak growth and reduce fruiting.
- Support heavily loaded branches and thin excessive fruit when necessary.
- Buy from a knowledgeable source that can explain the cultivar, propagation method and South Florida performance.
More Than 30 Years of Florida Fruit-Tree Experience
Over more than three decades in South Florida fruit-tree growing and sales, I have evaluated trees by what matters most to backyard growers: whether they grow normally, flower, set fruit and produce dependable crops in our warm climate.
The persimmons featured here are not generic cool-climate selections. They are low-chill or tropical-adapted types with a proven record among experienced South Florida growers. My goal is to help backyard growers obtain correctly identified trees and understand how to grow and ripen the fruit successfully.
Triumph, Hudson and South Florida Persimmon Comparison
| Name | What is reasonably established | Astringency | Buying caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triumph | A low-chill Japanese persimmon associated with Israel and the commercial Sharon-fruit trade | Naturally astringent unless softened or treated after harvest | Ask whether the tree is verified Triumph rather than merely sold as a tropical type |
| Hudson | A successful low-chill South Florida selection recognized by experienced local growers | Usually described locally as astringent | Buy from a source that knows the mother tree and can verify South Florida performance |
| South Florida Persimmon | A recognized South Florida cultivar name used for a proven warm-climate astringent persimmon | Astringent | Do not assume every tree sold under this label is genetically identical |
| Tropical Persimmon | A South Florida cultivar name used for a proven warm-climate astringent persimmon | Astringent | Ask about the source tree, propagation method and South Florida fruiting history |
Triumph Persimmon
Triumph is a Japanese persimmon cultivar associated with Israeli production. It is naturally astringent, meaning the firm fruit contains tannins that create a dry, puckering sensation.
Commercial Sharon fruit is commonly Triumph persimmon that has undergone postharvest deastringency treatment. Home growers normally allow untreated fruit to develop full color and soften before eating.
South Florida value: Triumph is one of the most dependable persimmons for our climate. It has a low requirement for cool weather and can grow, flower and fruit normally after a warm South Florida winter when planted and cared for properly.
Hudson Persimmon
Hudson is a proven low-chill persimmon that experienced South Florida growers have found to be a reliable producer in warm conditions. It is much less commonly available than Triumph, but it deserves recognition as a valuable backyard cultivar for our area.
Local growers often describe Hudson as productive and astringent, requiring the fruit to soften before eating. Trees may be grafted onto American persimmon rootstock, which is widely used in Florida because it adapts to varied soil conditions.
Pepe's buying advice: Purchase Hudson from a knowledgeable grower who can verify the source tree, propagation method, fruit characteristics and actual performance in South Florida.
Are Hudson, South Florida and Tropical Persimmon the Same?
Hudson, South Florida Persimmon and Tropical Persimmon are cultivar names used for proven low-chill, astringent persimmons grown successfully in South Florida. These trees are valued because they grow, flower and produce dependable crops in our warm climate.
Although growers may discuss the relationship among these named selections differently, they are all treated as astringent South Florida persimmons. The most important issue for a buyer is obtaining a correctly propagated tree from a trusted source that knows the mother tree and its fruiting history.
Best practice: Ask about the source tree, propagation method, fruit appearance, ripening behavior and proven South Florida production.
Astringent vs. Nonastringent Persimmons
| Fruit type | When to eat it | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Astringent | Usually after full color and softening, unless treated to remove astringency | Triumph, Hachiya, Saijo and many low-chill types |
| Nonastringent | Can be eaten firm after developing good color | Fuyu, Jiro and Izu |
How to Grow Persimmon Trees in Florida
Sun and location
Plant in full sun, ideally with at least six hours of direct light. Avoid low areas that remain wet or collect cold air. Young fruit-loaded branches may benefit from wind protection.
Soil and drainage
Persimmons prefer well-drained soil and generally perform best around pH 6 to 7. They are sensitive to salinity. Keep the graft union at or above the final soil level when planting.
Planting
Dig a planting hole wider than the root ball but no deeper than the root system. Backfill primarily with the native soil, water thoroughly to settle the soil and apply mulch without piling it against the trunk.
Watering
Keep newly planted trees consistently moist during establishment without saturating the root zone. Once established, water deeply as needed and allow the upper soil to begin drying between irrigations.
Fertilizer
Persimmons often need only moderate feeding. Use a complete fertilizer conservatively during active growth and follow the label. Excess nitrogen can produce vigorous shoots, delay maturity and contribute to fruit drop.
Pruning and training
Train young trees to a strong framework such as a modified central leader. Prune lightly during dormancy, removing dead, damaged and crossing branches. Avoid removing too many branch tips because persimmon flowers develop on new growth arising from the previous season's shoots.
Fruit thinning and branch support
Persimmons can set more fruit than young branches can support. Thin crowded or damaged fruit after natural fruit drop and support heavily loaded limbs when necessary.
Pests and diseases
Florida persimmons may develop leaf spots and other fungal problems during humid weather. Improve airflow, remove badly affected material and diagnose the problem before applying a pesticide. Follow every pesticide label.
Harvest
Clip fruit from the branch rather than twisting it. Nonastringent fruit can be harvested firm after coloring. Astringent fruit should be fully colored and soft or nearly soft before eating unless it has been treated to remove astringency.
Important South Florida Expectation
Standard persimmons may be unreliable in South Florida, but the tropical and low-chill selections featured on this page have demonstrated dependable performance here. Start with a proven cultivar such as Triumph or Hudson, maintain good drainage and purchase from a grower familiar with the mother tree.
How to Choose a Persimmon Tree
- Ask for the botanical species and exact cultivar name.
- Confirm whether the fruit is astringent or nonastringent.
- Ask whether the tree is grafted and what rootstock is used.
- Request fruit photographs from the mother tree when possible.
- Ask whether the selection has actually fruited in South Florida.
- Do not rely only on broad labels such as “Tropical Persimmon.”
Buy Persimmon and Fruit Trees in South Florida
Persimmon availability can be limited and changes by season. Confirm the cultivar before purchasing.
Local pickup is available from Pepe's Fruit Trees in Davie, Florida.
Check Current Tree AvailabilityFrequently Asked Questions About Persimmon Trees
Can persimmon trees grow in South Florida?
Yes. The specific low-chill persimmons featured on this page are proven South Florida performers. Triumph and Hudson have produced reliably for experienced growers, and astringent types generally perform better here than standard nonastringent cultivars.
What persimmon varieties are best for South Florida?
Triumph and Hudson are among the best proven low-chill persimmons for South Florida. These astringent cultivars have earned strong reputations among experienced local growers for growing, flowering and producing dependable crops in warm conditions.
Is Triumph persimmon good for South Florida?
Yes. Triumph is one of the most dependable persimmons for South Florida. It has a low requirement for cool weather and can grow, flower and fruit normally following a warm winter when properly planted and cared for.
Is Triumph persimmon the same as Sharon fruit?
Sharon fruit is a commercial name commonly used for Triumph persimmons grown and postharvest-treated in Israel. The treatment removes astringency so the fruit can be eaten while firm.
Is Hudson persimmon the same as South Florida persimmon?
Hudson, South Florida Persimmon and Tropical Persimmon are cultivar names used for proven South Florida astringent persimmons. Buy from a knowledgeable source that can verify the mother tree, propagation method and fruiting history.
What is a Tropical Persimmon?
Tropical Persimmon is a cultivar name used for a proven low-chill, astringent persimmon that performs well in South Florida. Ask the seller about the source tree, propagation method and fruiting history.
Are South Florida persimmons astringent?
Triumph, Hudson, South Florida Persimmon and Tropical Persimmon are all astringent. Their fruit should be allowed to become fully colored and soft before eating unless a reliable postharvest deastringency treatment is used.
What is the difference between astringent and nonastringent persimmons?
Astringent persimmons contain high levels of soluble tannins when firm and usually must soften before eating. Nonastringent cultivars can be eaten while firm once they develop good color.
Do persimmon trees need chill hours?
Persimmons have relatively low chilling requirements compared with many temperate fruit trees, but cultivar response differs. South Florida growers should choose cultivars with a proven low-chill history.
Do I need two persimmon trees for fruit?
Many Japanese persimmon cultivars can set fruit without a second tree. Pollination can still affect seed development, fruit characteristics and crop performance depending on the cultivar.
How much sun does a persimmon tree need?
Persimmon trees generally perform best in full sun, with at least six hours of direct light daily. Good light supports flowering, fruit quality and sturdy growth.
What soil is best for persimmon trees?
Persimmons prefer well-drained soil and are sensitive to prolonged waterlogging and salinity. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is generally suitable.
How often should I water a newly planted persimmon tree?
Water often enough during establishment to keep the root zone from drying completely, while allowing excess water to drain. Reduce frequency as the tree establishes and develops a larger root system.
What fertilizer should I use on a persimmon tree?
Persimmons often need less fertilizer than vigorous tropical fruit trees. Use a complete fertilizer conservatively during active growth, follow the product label and avoid excess nitrogen that can encourage weak growth or fruit drop.
When should persimmon trees be pruned?
Prune during dormancy or before strong spring growth. Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, maintain a strong framework and avoid severe pruning that removes too much fruiting wood.
When are persimmons harvested in Florida?
Harvest timing depends on cultivar and location, but Florida persimmons commonly ripen from late summer through early winter. Astringent fruit should reach full color and soften before eating.
Why is my persimmon tree dropping fruit?
Young trees may drop fruit because of natural thinning, poor establishment, excessive crop load, drought, overwatering, excess nitrogen, heat stress or root problems.
Can persimmons grow in containers?
Young persimmon trees can grow temporarily in large containers, but long-term fruit production is usually better in the ground because the trees need substantial root space.
Are persimmon trees deciduous in Florida?
Yes. Japanese and American persimmons are deciduous and normally lose their leaves during the cooler part of the year, even in much of Florida.
Where can I buy a persimmon tree in South Florida?
Pepe's Fruit Trees may offer persimmon trees on a limited-availability basis with local pickup in Davie, Florida. Check the online store for current listings and confirm the cultivar before purchasing.
