Description
Prairie Gem is an American persimmon selected for regions with cold winters and shorter growing seasons, where dependable ripening is essential. It has become a valued choice for growers who want classic American persimmon flavor without waiting late into the season.
As with all American persimmons, Prairie Gem fruit is astringent until fully ripe. Once softened, the fruit develops a rich, sweet flavor and smooth, custard-like texture. Its earlier ripening window makes Prairie Gem especially appealing in northern climates where later varieties may struggle to finish.
Overview
- Cold-hardy American persimmon with earlier ripening.
- Rich, sweet flavor when fully ripe.
- Reliable production in shorter growing seasons.
- Excellent for fresh eating (fully ripe), baking, and pulp use.
- Self-fertile; yields improve with a pollination partner.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Diospyros virginiana āPrairie Gemā
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: Grafted onto American persimmon rootstock
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4ā9
Bearing Age: 1ā3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 20 ft tall and wide (easily maintained smaller with pruning)
Bloom Time: Late spring
Ripening Time: Early to mid-fall (typically SeptemberāOctober)
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile; best yields with another American persimmon planted within 20ā30 ft
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; very resilient once established
Additional Notes
- Growerās Insight: Prairie Gem was selected with northern growers in mind and is valued for finishing reliably before frost.
- Regional Insight: Prairie Gem performs especially well across the Midwest, Upper Plains, and other cold-winter regions with shorter seasons.
- For best eating quality, allow fruit to become fully soft before consuming.
- Excellent choice for persimmon pulp, baking, and freezing.
- Explore more American persimmons in our collection: American Persimmons
