Description
Coffee Cake is a pollination-variant, non-astringent Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki) prized for its dependable eating quality and the dramatic change in flesh color that occurs when pollinated. Like other PVNA persimmons, Coffee Cake can be eaten while still firm, making it easy to harvest and enjoy without waiting for full softening.
When grown without pollination, the fruit ripens sweet and typically seedless, with lighter-colored flesh. When pollinated, seeds develop and the flesh darkens—often taking on the rich internal coloration that gives Coffee Cake its name. In both cases, the fruit remains non-astringent and suitable for firm eating.
This dual behavior makes Coffee Cake appealing for home orchards: growers can enjoy seedless fruit without a pollinizer, or allow pollination to enhance visual interest and internal color. Grafted onto Diospyros lotus rootstock, Coffee Cake performs best in warm, well-drained sites where Asian persimmons reliably ripen.
Overview
- Pollination-variant, non-astringent Asian persimmon.
- Fruit can be eaten firm.
- Seedless fruit without pollination; seeded fruit with darker flesh when pollinated.
- Smooth texture and sweet eating quality.
- Well suited to home orchards in warm climates.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Diospyros kaki ’Coffee Cake’
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 15–20 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 introduces seeds and darkens flesh color but is not required for fruit set
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; good airflow and drainage reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Coffee Cake offers two experiences in one tree—seedless fruit when unpollinated, or darker, seeded fruit when pollinated.
- Regional Insight: Performs best in regions with warm summers and mild to moderate winters where Asian persimmons ripen fully.
- Fruit remains non-astringent regardless of pollination status.
- Pollination may introduce seeds into nearby Asian persimmons.
- Explore more Asian persimmons in our collection: Asian Persimmons
