Meader Persimmon is the only reliably self-fertile American persimmon variety, a distinction that sets it apart for home gardeners who want the rich, luscious fruit without needing a pollinator tree. Developed by fruit breeder Elwyn Meader of New Hampshire, this cultivar reaches 15 feet tall and thrives in zones 5 through 9, making it one of the hardiest persimmon options available. The tree produces beautiful orange globes that hang on bare branches well into late autumn, ripening after the first frosts to develop their full sweetness and depth. It's a variety that combines serious fruit production with genuine ornamental appeal, especially in fall when most of the garden is fading.
Full Sun
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4-8
180in H x ?in W
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High
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This tree arrived in gardens through the deliberate work of a master breeder who understood what American gardeners actually needed: a persimmon that didn't require a second tree just to set fruit. The fruits themselves are luscious and rich once they've been kissed by frost, developing complex flavor as they mature on the tree. Long after the showy fall foliage drops, the orange fruits remain, creating a striking visual display that lingers into winter. Growing it means having reliable fruit production and an ornamental specimen that earns its space in the yard through both productivity and beauty.
Meader Persimmons are eaten fresh, typically after ripening on the tree and softening fully. The fruits are eaten fresh when fully mature and soft, offering the rich, complex flavor that makes a fully ripe persimmon a genuine treat. They can also be dried or used in desserts and preserves, though their primary use is as fresh eating fruit when the sugars and flavors have fully developed through the ripening process.
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Transplant bare-root or container-grown trees in early spring before bud break, or in fall after leaves drop. Choose a location in full sun with well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly wider and as deep as the root ball, and backfill with native soil mixed lightly with compost. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season.
Wait to harvest Meader Persimmons until after the first hard frosts of autumn, which trigger the fruits to ripen and fully develop their sweetness. Pick fruits when they feel soft to gentle pressure and have turned a deep orange color. The fruits will remain on the tree for weeks or even months after ripening, allowing you to harvest selectively over an extended period. Handle ripe fruits gently, as their soft flesh bruises easily.
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“Elwyn Meader, a noted fruit breeder from New Hampshire, developed this cultivar and gave it his name. At a time when American persimmons were often ignored in favor of Asian varieties, Meader worked specifically to create a self-fertile selection that would thrive in colder climates and perform reliably without requiring cross-pollination. This was a breakthrough for northern gardeners who wanted to grow native American persimmons but needed a practical solution to the pollination problem that made most selections unreliable for home growing.”