Cardinal™ persimmon is one of the earliest-ripening non-astringent Asian persimmons, producing medium to large attractive orange fruit with a sweet, rich flavour. Unlike astringent persimmons, the fruit can be eaten while still firm and crisp, making it easy to enjoy fresh.
Its early ripening time makes Cardinal™ especially well suited to cooler climates with shorter summers where late-ripening persimmons may struggle to mature fruit before winter. Trees are productive and develop into attractive small landscape trees with glossy foliage and excellent fall colour.
Cardinal™ persimmons produce only female flowers and can form seedless fruit without pollination (parthenocarpically). Female flowers that are pollinated by male Asian or American persimmon flowers may contain seeds.
Our Asian persimmons are grafted onto American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) rootstock.
Common names: Cardinal™ Persimmon, Cardinal™ Asian Persimmon, Japanese Persimmon, Oriental Persimmon
Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: October-November (very early)
Scientific name: Diospyros kaki 'Jo Choo' (aka Cardinal™)
Light requirements: Full sun
Full-grown size: 12-20' tall x 10-15' wide
Hardiness: Zone 7
Pollination: Capable of setting fruit without pollination (parthenocarpically), which means you only need one tree for fruit set.
Wildlife: Not deer resistant. Wildlife attracted to fruit.
Origin: Species is native China. Cultivar bred in California, USA.
Noteworthy: One of the earliest ripening non-astringent Asian persimmon varieties.
