FREE: 20ct. Date Plum Persimmon, Diospyros lotus, Tree Seeds - COLD HARDY ZONES 6 - 10

The listing, 20ct. Date Plum Persimmon, Diospyros lotus, Tree Seeds - COLD HARDY ZONES 6 - 10 has ended.

Date Plum Persimmon is a deciduous fruiting tree that is native to Middle East and South Asia, especially from China and Japan. It was introduced to Britain in 1597 and was cultivated in England in the 17th century but has never been a common feature in gardens and generally remains limited to collections. Although it is a hardy species, outside of its native habitat it rarely reaches its maximum height of 90 feet (usually up to about 30 feet tall). This member of the Ebony family is a beautiful tree with smooth grey bark, glossy dark green leaves that turn golden in the fall and small yellow edible fruit.

The Date Plum Persimmon leaves are wide, oval, glossy dark green with a pointed tip, 4 to 5 inches in length and are frost tender.It is dioecious with male and female flowers growing on different trees. Male flowers are produced on shoots in groups of up to three, while the female flowers are solitary and hang down in rows, both of which bloom in July. At least both a male and female plant will be required to get seeds. However, the female tree can produce seedless fruits in the absence of a pollinator. The Date Plum Persimmon is a close relative to the persimmon. It is a smaller fruit to about 3/4 inches wide. It bears a globose yellow fruit that turns purple-brown when fully ripe. Like the persimmon, the Date Plum Persimmon loses its astringency when fully ripe. The flesh is then very soft and rich in flavor. The fruit is consumed raw, cooked or dried in which case they have a date like flavor, hence the name Date Plum. They are also used in making of dried fruit leathers, jams and jellies, sweets, ice cream and sweet sauces. The fruit pulp freezes well and It can be used to make a brandy.

The Date Plum Tree (Diospyros lotus) was known to the ancient Greeks as 'the fruit of the gods' for its delicious fruit, which have a taste that resembles both plums and dates.

Zone: 6 to 10 (possibly 5) Hardy to -20°F.