Dai Dai Maru Persimmon Tree

Dai Dai Maru Persimmon (Diospyros kaki 'Dai Dai Maru') is an astringent persimmon with large, round fruit and a reputation as a heavy cropper. It grows into a rounded deciduous tree of about 4m to 5m, with glossy leaves that turn gold and red in autumn and big orange fruit hanging on the bare branches.

Why you'll love it

• Heavy cropper. Branches carry a lot of large, round, orange fruit once the tree is settled.
• Sweet when soft. Fully ripe fruit turns jelly-like and honey sweet, ideal for spooning, baking and drying.
• Autumn colour. Leaves turn gold, orange and red before they drop.
• Low fuss. Persimmons are tough, reliable fruit trees that suit most gardens.

Where it works best

Backyard orchard. Plant 4m to 5m apart in full sun.

Feature and shade tree. The wide crown gives summer shade and autumn colour.

Pots. A big container holds a pruned tree for a few seasons, though the ground suits it best.

Growing Dai Dai Maru Persimmon in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and shelter from strong wind. It grows in subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate gardens and tolerates frost when dormant.

Soil. Well drained, fertile soil enriched with compost. Avoid waterlogging.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the first summer and while fruit swells, and feed in spring with a fruit tree fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune in winter to an open shape and thin heavy crops so the branches do not snap. Eat only when fully soft, because the fruit is astringent until then. Net against fruit fly.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dai Dai Maru Persimmon in 300mm pots. A 300mm pot is a young tree that grows quickly in spring. Plant in autumn or spring and stake gently if the site is windy. Water deeply through the first summer and mulch the root zone, which helps a young tree settle and grow strongly before its first crop. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse more fruit trees for the home garden
• More deciduous trees
• Plants with autumn colour
• Fruit trees for every season: planting tips

Common questions

Do I need to wait for the fruit to soften?

Yes. Dai Dai Maru is astringent, so eat it only when fully soft and translucent.

Does it need a pollination partner?

No. A single tree sets fruit in the garden.

How do I stop branches breaking?

Thin fruit in a heavy year and prune in winter to an open shape so the weight is spread.