Description
Chocolate persimmon is a classic Asian persimmon (*Diospyros kaki*) known for its unique flesh coloration and approachable, sweet flavor. When fully mature, the fruit is non-astringent and can be eaten while still firm, making it an easy and rewarding persimmon for fresh eating.
This variety belongs to a group known as pollination-variant non-astringent (PVNA) persimmons. When Chocolate persimmon is pollinated, the fruit develops its signature brown-flecked “chocolate” flesh and often a deeper, richer flavor. Without pollination, the fruit will still set, ripen, and remain sweet and non-astringent, but the flesh stays lighter in color and the fruit is typically seedless.
This flexibility makes Chocolate persimmon especially appealing for home orchards—growers can enjoy seedless fruit without a pollinizer, or introduce pollination to enhance color and complexity if desired.
Overview
- Non-astringent Asian persimmon suitable for eating firm.
- Pollination-variant variety with distinctive brown-flecked flesh.
- Fruit sets without pollination and is often seedless.
- Pollination deepens flesh color and flavor richness.
- Excellent fresh-eating persimmon with visual appeal.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Diospyros kaki ‘Chocolate’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: Diospyros lotus
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–10
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 15–25 ft tall and wide; easily maintained at a smaller size with routine pruning
Bloom Time: Late spring
Ripening Time: Mid to late fall (typically October–November)
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; pollination increases seed formation and deepens brown flesh color and flavor
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; good drainage and airflow reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Chocolate persimmon is prized for its flexibility—seedless fruit without pollination, or richer color and complexity when pollinated.
- Regional Insight: Chocolate performs best in regions with warm summers and mild winters where Asian persimmons ripen reliably.
- If grown without a pollinizer, fruit is often seedless with lighter flesh.
- If pollinated, expect seeds and the signature dark “chocolate” flesh.
- Be aware that adding a strong pollinizer can introduce seeds into nearby Asian persimmons.
- Explore more Asian persimmons in our collection: Asian Persimmons
