Name: Early Golden American Persimmon Tree | Early-Ripening Cold-Hardy Persimmon
SKU: American Persimmon Tree (Early Golden)
Price: 39.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

American Persimmon Tree (Early Golden)

$39.99

Early Golden is a classic American persimmon that ripens early, sweetens beautifully when fully soft, and brings that rich, honeyed ‚Äúwild persimmon‚Äù flavor to the home orchard.

Early-ripening American persimmon with rich, sweet flavor when fully ripe.
Cold-hardy and dependable in a wide range of climates.
Fruit turns deep orange and softens into a jelly-like texture when ready.
Great for fresh eating (fully ripe), baking, and pulp-based recipes.
Self-fertile; heavier crops possible with another American persimmon planted within 20‚Äì30 ft.

Description

Early Golden is one of the most historically important American persimmons, discovered in Illinois in the late 1800s and still beloved for its early ripening season and classic, rich persimmon flavor. When fully ripe, the fruit becomes intensely sweet with a soft, custardy texture that persimmon fans chase every fall.

Like most American persimmons, Early Golden is astringent until fully ripe‚Äîthen it transforms. Harvest when fruit colors up and begins to soften, and allow it to finish ripening to a soft, jelly-like feel for the best eating quality. Early Golden is a strong choice for growers who want American persimmons but also want a variety that comes in earlier than many others.

Overview

Classic American persimmon with an early ripening window.
Fruit turns deep orange and becomes very sweet when fully ripe.
Cold-hardy and adaptable in many regions.
Excellent for pulp, baking, and persimmon-forward recipes.
Self-fertile; heavier crops possible with another American persimmon nearby.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Diospyros virginiana ‚ÄòEarly Golden‚Äô

Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil

Rootstock: Grafted onto American persimmon rootstock

Hardiness: USDA Zones 4‚Äì9

Bearing Age: 1‚Äì3 years

Size at Maturity: Typically 20‚Äì30 ft tall and wide (maintained smaller with pruning)

Bloom Time: Late spring

Ripening Time: Early fall (typically September‚ÄìOctober)

Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; for best yields, plant another American persimmon within 20‚Äì30 ft

Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; good drainage and airflow support long-term health

Additional Notes

Grower‚Äôs Insight: Early Golden is one of the foundational American persimmon cultivars‚Äîan old, proven selection that helped shape many later improvements.
Regional Insight: Early Golden performs especially well across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and many cool-winter regions thanks to its cold hardiness and earlier ripening season.
For best flavor, let fruit become fully soft before eating‚ÄîAmerican persimmons are astringent until truly ripe.
Persimmon pulp is outstanding for baking (bread, cookies), smoothies, and freezing for later use.
Explore more American persimmons in our collection: American Persimmons

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Early Golden American Persimmon

Sun: 1/2 day to full day
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Regular watering during establishment
Tree Size: Medium-large (maintainable with pruning)
Pollination: Self-fertile; improved with a second tree nearby
Harvest: Early fall (September–October)
Hardiness: Cold-hardy (Zones 4–9)

Planting & Care – Early Golden American Persimmon

Site Selection

Choose a sunny site for best fruit sweetness and reliable ripening.
Good airflow helps keep foliage healthy and supports consistent fruit quality.

Soil Preparation

Plant in well-drained soil; avoid spots that stay wet for long periods.
Persimmons are adaptable, but drainage is key for long-term performance.

Planting Instructions

Plant so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil level.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
Mulch lightly, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Watering & Fertilizing

Water regularly during the first growing season, especially during heat.
Once established, water deeply during dry stretches rather than frequent shallow watering.
Use moderate feeding in spring if growth is weak; avoid excess nitrogen.

Pruning

Prune lightly while young to establish strong structure and spacing.
As the tree matures, thin crowded wood to improve light and airflow.

Harvest & Use

Harvest when fruit is fully colored and beginning to soften.
Allow fruit to finish ripening until very soft for the sweetest, non-astringent flavor.
Use ripe fruit fresh, or scoop the pulp for baking and freezing.

General Tips

If you want maximum yields, add another American persimmon within 20–30 ft.
Expect the best flavor once the fruit reaches a soft, jelly-like ripeness.