The One Fruit Tree EVERYONE Should Be Growing... Easy, Reliable, and Delicious

Summary

In this video, the host shares insights on growing and harvesting persimmons, specifically the Nikita's Gift variety, a hybrid between American and Asian persimmons. The fruit is easy to grow, pest-resistant, and provides delicious, honey-sweet fruit late in the season, extending the harvest well into winter. The video covers different types of persimmons, their growth requirements, and tips on pruning, thinning, and maximizing fruit production. The host emphasizes the simplicity and beauty of persimmon trees, encouraging viewers to grow their own food at home for a sustainable and rewarding gardening experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Growing your own food, like persimmons, allows you to enjoy fresh, unique fruit that isn’t easily found in stores.
• 🍓 A diverse and extended growing season is key for harvesting fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
• 🍃 The Nikita's Gift persimmon is a hybrid between American and Asian persimmons, known for being pest-resistant and cold-hardy.
• ❄️ This persimmon variety thrives in colder climates, surviving temperatures as low as -10°F and growing in zones 5 to 10.
• 🍯 Ripe persimmons, especially the Nikita's Gift variety, become soft and jelly-like, offering a sweet flavor akin to honey, which is why it’s sometimes called the 'Divine Fruit.'
• 🌳 American persimmons need to ripen fully to lose their astringency, and can be sped up by storing them with ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas.
• 🌞 The Asian persimmon, like Fuyu, grows well in warmer climates and can be eaten when firm, making them a popular choice in stores.
• 🌱 Persimmon trees are low maintenance, pest-resistant, and don’t require heavy fertilization, thriving with organic mulch alone.
• ✂️ Pruning is essential for maintaining the size and shape of persimmon trees, ensuring healthy growth and better fruit production.
• 🍂 Persimmons are perfect for late-season harvesting, offering fresh fruit well after other crops have finished for the year.
• 🌍 Growing your own fruit trees, like persimmons, supports a sustainable, backyard food system and encourages community sharing of homegrown produce.

Q & A

What makes the Nikita’s Gift persimmon unique compared to other types of persimmons?

The Nikita’s Gift persimmon is a hybrid between American and Asian persimmons, and it is known for being cold-hardy down to -10°F, growing to about 10 to 12 feet in height. Unlike typical store-bought persimmons, it ripens when super soft, with a jelly-like consistency and a honey-sweet flavor.

Why do persimmons need a cold period to ripen, especially the American varieties?

American persimmons contain high levels of tannins that make them astringent when unripe. Cold weather breaks down these tannins, allowing the fruit to ripen and become sweet and soft. The cold helps to make the fruit palatable by removing the chalky sensation from the mouth.

How can one speed up the ripening process of persimmons?

To speed up the ripening process, place persimmons in a container with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas released by these fruits helps to ripen the persimmons faster, reducing the need to wait for cold weather to ripen them naturally.

What are the differences between American and Asian persimmons in terms of growth and fruit characteristics?

American persimmons are larger and require colder temperatures to ripen, producing a jelly-like fruit when fully ripe. They tend to grow 30 to 50 feet tall. On the other hand, Asian persimmons, such as the Fuyu variety, are smaller (15 to 20 feet tall) and ripen while still firm, with a juicy and crisp texture. They are ideal for warmer regions.

What is the importance of pruning persimmon trees?

Pruning persimmon trees encourages new growth, helps manage the tree's size, and improves fruit production. It’s important to create wide branch angles (at least 60°) to ensure branches can hold the weight of the fruit without breaking. Pruning older branches also encourages more lateral growth, which results in more fruit on a smaller tree.

Why should persimmon trees be thinned after flowering?

Thinning persimmon trees after flowering helps ensure that the fruit that remains has enough energy to grow larger and become healthier. Without thinning, the tree could become overburdened, causing branch breakage or smaller fruit. Thinning also prevents tree stress and ensures consistent fruit production year after year.

How does a persimmon tree stay healthy without much maintenance?

Persimmon trees are relatively low-maintenance. They don't require frequent fertilizing; instead, a thick layer of organic mulch provides enough nutrients while conserving water. Additionally, their waxy leaves make them resistant to pests and diseases.

What are some benefits of growing persimmon trees in a food forest or home garden?

Growing persimmon trees provides fresh fruit late in the growing season, when many other fruits have already been harvested. They are reliable, low-maintenance, and produce fruit even in colder climates. Additionally, persimmons are resistant to many pests and diseases, making them an easy fruit tree to maintain.

How does growing persimmons contribute to extending the harvest season?

Persimmons, particularly the Nikita’s Gift variety, ripen late in the season, often into December. This extends the harvest period for gardeners, as they can continue to enjoy fresh fruit when other crops have finished producing, bringing additional enjoyment and food security during colder months.

Why is it recommended to plant persimmon trees in areas where they have room to grow, especially the American variety?

American persimmons can grow very large, reaching 30 to 50 feet in height. If planted in small spaces without room to spread, they may become overcrowded, leading to reduced fruit production and potential damage. Therefore, giving these trees enough space ensures better growth and fruit yield.