Elmo American Persimmon

A disease-resistant American Persimmon with a sweet flavor and a reliable crop!

The Elmo American Persimmon is a hand-pollinated cross of Golden Supreme and Garretson Persimmon. It is also referred to as Claypool A-118. Chosen for its reliable crop of large fruits resistant to both pests and diseases. Elmo Persimmon is known for its heavy bearing. In Fall, enjoy harvesting large, orange, flavorful fruit with no black spots.

Creamy-yellow buds, vibrant green leaves, large orange/red fruit, colder weather leaves turn yellow/orange.

Persimmons look and taste like the Fall season. Elmo American Persimmons are non-astringent, meaning they are sweeter and ripe, ready to be eaten immediately after picking. They can be roasted, dried, canned, and baked. Pairing well with warm spices, persimmon fruits are a staple for Fall baking. This unique fruit is a terrific addition to a healthy diet, full of vitamins A & C, nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.

Growing American Persimmons

The American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), also known as the common persimmon, is native from Florida to Connecticut, west to Iowa and south to Texas.

Persimmon trees can tolerate some shade but require sun for ripening fruit. Persimmons are easy-to-grow and adapt to a wide range of soil types. They are cold-hardy, tolerating winter temperatures to minus 25 degrees F. Once established, they can withstand considerable drought. Almost all American persimmon trees require a pollinator to bear fruit. See pollinator recommendations and other characteristics below.

Elmo Persimmons ripen in October to November. Come harvest in the fall, you’ll easily spot the bright orange fruit. The fruit softens and sweetens once they experience frost.