Description
Nikita’s Gift is a hybrid persimmon developed by crossing Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki) with American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana). The result is a unique tree that bridges the gap between the two species—offering Asian-style fruit with improved cold tolerance and adaptability.
The fruit is larger and smoother than most American persimmons and ripens to a deep orange-red. Like astringent Asian persimmons, Nikita’s Gift must fully soften before eating. When properly ripe, the fruit becomes rich and sweet, with the tannins fully resolved.
Nikita’s Gift is valued for its ability to ripen fruit in regions that are marginal for traditional Asian persimmons. Grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstock, it forms a resilient tree well suited to growers seeking improved cold hardiness without sacrificing fruit quality.
Overview
- Hybrid of Asian and American persimmon.
- Astringent until fully soft and ripe.
- Larger, smoother fruit than most American persimmons.
- Improved cold tolerance over Asian persimmons.
- Well suited to regions with cooler winters.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Diospyros kaki × Diospyros virginiana ‘Nikita’s Gift’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: Grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstock
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9
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 may introduce seeds but is not required for fruit set
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; good airflow and drainage reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Nikita’s Gift is often chosen by growers who want Asian-style persimmons but need better cold tolerance.
- Regional Insight: Performs especially well in the Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and colder edge zones where Asian persimmons can struggle.
- Fruit must be fully soft before eating to avoid astringency.
- Texture and sweetness improve noticeably after a light frost.
- Explore more persimmons in our collection: Persimmon Trees
