Date Plum “Mediterranean Persimmon” Fruit Tree Seeds (Diospyros lotus) Rare Cold Hardy Fruit Tree | Exotic Edible Persimmon Type Plant

Mediterranean Persimmon Fruit Tree Seeds “Date Plum” (Diospyros lotus)

The Diospyros lotus, commonly known as Date Plum or Mediterranean Persimmon, is an elegant deciduous fruit tree valued for both its ornamental beauty and its uniquely flavored edible fruit. Native to China and parts of Asia Minor, this species is widely cultivated in temperate regions for its hardiness, attractive foliage, and productive fruiting habit.

This small to medium-sized fruit tree produces delicate green bell-shaped flowers in mid to late summer, which develop into small yellow fruits that gradually ripen to a deep blue-black color. Once fully mature, the fruit loses its astringency and develops a rich, sweet flavor often described as a blend of plum and date, giving rise to its common name “Date Plum.”

The fruits can be eaten fresh when fully ripe or dried to enhance their naturally sweet, date-like taste. They are also used in jams, jellies, and traditional preparations. In addition, the fruit serves as an excellent natural food source for birds during the winter months.

Beyond its fruiting value, Mediterranean Persimmon is admired for its ornamental qualities. It features glossy green summer foliage that transitions into striking golden-yellow autumn colors, making it a standout landscape tree throughout the seasons. Mature trees typically remain compact in cultivation, though they can grow larger in warmer climates.

🌱 Growing & Care Information

Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil; adaptable to most soil types
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Growth: Deciduous fruiting tree
Climate: Temperate regions

This species is hardy and adaptable, performing well in a variety of conditions while providing both edible fruit and seasonal ornamental interest.

🌿 Why Grow Date Plum?

• Sweet edible plum-date flavored fruit
• Excellent ornamental fall foliage color
• Cold hardy and adaptable fruit tree
• Valuable wildlife food source in winter
• Attractive bell-shaped summer flowers
• Dual-purpose edible and landscape tree
• Long-lived deciduous fruiting species
• Great for orchards and home gardens

USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–9

Persimmon Germination:

1) Persimmon seeds have a relatively low germination rate of 25 to 35 percent, so start multiple seeds to increase the likelihood of success with each grow.

2) Wrap the seeds in moistened sphagnum moss or paper towel, then put them in a plastic bag or jar inside the refrigerator for three months. If the moss or paper towel dries out, spritz it with some water to keep the persimmon seeds moist.

3) Persimmon seedlings form a long taproot early on, so they need to be grown in tall plastic containers that will allow the root to form without cramping it. Sow one seed per pot in sterile potting mixture, and make sure the pot has drainage holes at the base. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2 inches, and then set the pots in a warm, bright location. 

4) Use a heated propagator to keep the temperature above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Tiny persimmon seedlings should appear in six to eight weeks.

Germinación del caqui:

1) Las semillas de caqui tienen una tasa de germinación relativamente baja, del 25 al 35 por ciento, por lo que es mejor comenzar a sembrar varias semillas para aumentar la probabilidad de éxito con cada cultivo.

2) Envuelva las semillas en musgo sphagnum humedecido o en una toalla de papel, luego colóquelas en una bolsa de plástico o un frasco dentro del refrigerador durante tres meses. Si el musgo o la toalla de papel se secan, rocíelos con un poco de agua para mantener húmedas las semillas de caqui.

3) Las plántulas de caqui forman una raíz pivotante larga desde el principio, por lo que deben cultivarse en recipientes de plástico altos que permitan que la raíz se forme sin apretujarla. Siembre una semilla por maceta en una mezcla para macetas esterilizada y asegúrese de que la maceta tenga orificios de drenaje en la base. Plante las semillas a una profundidad de 2 pulgadas y luego coloque las macetas en un lugar cálido y luminoso.

4) Use un propagador calentado para mantener la temperatura por encima de los 75 grados Fahrenheit. Las pequeñas plántulas de caqui deberían aparecer en seis a ocho semanas.