When to Plant Persimmon in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Plant June to July. Right now in September it is out of season. The next planting month is June.

This Persimmon guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Persimmon

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Underrated fruit tree that deserves far more attention in Australian gardens. Two types: astringent (must be fully soft/ripe before eating, mouth-puckeringly tannic if unripe) and non-astringent (can be eaten firm like an apple, Fuyu type). Beautiful ornamental tree with stunning autumn foliage. Very few pest and disease problems. Self-fertile (most varieties). Adapted to a wide range of climates from subtropical to cold-temperate. One of the easiest deciduous fruit trees to grow organically.

Best Planting Window for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - P P - - - - -

P = Planting window

Plant bare root June-July.

Want a nudge when it is Persimmon sowing time in Brisbane?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Subtropical zone right now, Persimmon included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

How to Grow Persimmon in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant bare root June-July.

Soil
Tolerates wide range of soils. Well-drained preferred but more tolerant of heavy soil than stone fruit.
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun for best fruit. Tolerates part shade.

Companion plants: Anything, persimmons are undemanding

Avoid planting near: Nothing specific, very compatible tree

Subtropical Growing Tips for Persimmon

Recommended Varieties

  • Fuyu (non-astringent, best for warm zones)
  • Jiro (non-astringent)
  • Nightingale (astringent, early)

Key Challenges

  • Short dormancy period
  • Fruit may not develop full sweetness

Pro Tips

  • Fuyu is the best choice for SEQ. Non-astringent, eaten firm, excellent flavour.
  • Gorgeous autumn colour in SE QLD.

Harvesting Persimmon

When ready: Non-astringent (Fuyu): pick when fully coloured (orange) and still firm. Eat like an apple. Astringent (Hachiya): pick when fully coloured, ripen until completely soft (jelly-like). Eating astringent persimmon before fully soft = incredibly unpleasant tannic experience.

How to harvest: Cut with secateurs leaving calyx attached.

Where to next

What persimmon costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

Get the Full Interactive Guide

Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.

Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy

Common Questions About Persimmon

When do you plant persimmon in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.