Name: Early Jiro Asian Persimmon Tree | Maekawa Jiro Non-Astringent Persimmon
Price: 39.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Persimmon Tree (Early Jiro)

$39.99

Early Jiro is a premium non-astringent Asian persimmon valued for its crisp texture, reliable sweetness, and earlier ripening season compared to standard Jiro types.

Non-astringent persimmon—enjoyable while firm.
Early-ripening Jiro selection (Maekawa Jiro cultivar).
Crisp, apple-like texture with mild, sweet flavor.
More reliable ripening in cooler fall climates.
Grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstock.

Description

Early Jiro, also known as Maekawa Jiro, is a refined selection of the classic Jiro persimmon (Diospyros kaki) chosen for improved ripening reliability and consistent eating quality. Like other Jiro-types, it is non-astringent and can be enjoyed while still firm.

The fruit is medium sized with bright orange skin and a crisp, apple-like texture. Flavor is mild, clean, and sweet when firm, with no mouth-drying astringency at any stage of ripeness.

What sets Early Jiro apart is its ability to finish ripening earlier than standard Jiro selections, making it especially valuable in regions with cooler summers or early fall temperature drops. Trees are grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstock for resilience and adaptability.

Overview

Non-astringent Asian persimmon.
Improved early-ripening Jiro selection (Maekawa Jiro).
Enjoyable while firm and crisp.
Medium-sized fruit with reliable sweetness.
Well suited to home orchards in cooler fall climates.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Diospyros kaki ‘Maekawa Jiro’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: Grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstock
Hardiness: Best suited to mild-winter persimmon climates with warm summers
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Typically 15–20 ft tall and wide; easily maintained smaller with routine pruning
Bloom Time: Late spring
Ripening Time: Early to mid fall
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; good airflow and drainage reduce issues

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Maekawa Jiro was selected to mature and finish flavor development earlier than standard Jiro, improving sweetness consistency in regions where cooler fall temperatures can limit ripening.
Regional Insight: Early Jiro performs especially well in the Pacific Northwest, coastal regions, and other areas with shorter or cooler fall seasons where later-ripening persimmons may struggle.
This is a non-astringent persimmon: fruit can be eaten while firm and crisp with no need to wait for softening.

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Early Jiro Asian Persimmon

Sun: 1/2 day to full day
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Regular watering during establishment
Tree Size: Medium (maintainable with pruning)
Pollination: Self-fertile
Harvest: Early to mid fall
Hardiness: Best in mild to moderate winter persimmon climates

Planting & Care – Early Jiro Asian Persimmon

Site Selection

Select a sunny location to support early, complete ripening.
Protected microclimates improve reliability in cooler regions.

Soil Preparation

Plant in well-drained soil; persimmons do not tolerate standing water.
Raised planting areas help in heavier soils.

Planting Instructions

Plant so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil level.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Mulch lightly, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering & Fertilizing

Water consistently during the first growing season.
Once established, water deeply during extended dry periods.
Avoid excess nitrogen, which can reduce fruit quality.

Pruning

Light annual pruning maintains structure and productivity.
Thin crowded branches to improve light penetration.

Harvest & Use

Harvest once fruit is fully colored.
Enjoy fresh while firm and crisp.
Excellent for fresh eating and slicing.

General Tips

Earlier ripening improves flavor consistency in cooler climates.
Non-astringent persimmons are ideal for first-time growers.