Great Wall Persimmon is an upright, round-headed tree that reaches about 15 feet tall and thrives in zones 6 through 9. Originally introduced from China by J. Russell Smith, the pioneering author of Tree Crops, this variety produces medium-sized, squarish fruits with sweet flesh when fully ripe in mid-autumn. It's a highly productive and long-lived tree that tolerates heat and humidity well, making it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, self-fertile persimmon with genuine historical significance.
Full Sun
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6-9
180in H x ?in W
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High
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This is the persimmon that helped shape modern American fruit gardening. J. Russell Smith brought it from China and championed it in his influential writing about agricultural trees, making Great Wall more than just a fruit tree; it's part of gardening history. The tree's excellent red fall foliage transforms your landscape even before the crop arrives, and its medium fruits ripening in mid-autumn offer genuine sweetness once they soften. Hardy to zone 6, heat-tolerant, and drought-resistant, it stands alone beautifully without a pollinator, asking little while delivering consistently.
Great Wall Persimmons are eaten fresh as dessert fruit once they fully soften and develop their characteristic sweetness in mid-autumn. The medium-sized fruits can be eaten out of hand when ripe or used in any preparation calling for sweet, soft persimmon flesh.
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Transplant bare-root or container-grown trees in early spring before bud break or in fall after leaves drop. Harden off container trees gradually to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Space trees at least 15 feet apart. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and plant at the same depth the tree was growing in its container, avoiding deep planting that can lead to poor establishment.
Harvest Great Wall Persimmons in mid-autumn when the fruits have fully softened and developed their deep color. The squarish, slightly flattened fruits should give slightly to gentle pressure when ripe. You can pick them fully ripe from the tree or allow them to soften slightly after picking in a cool location. Some gardeners prefer to let the fruit fully soften on the tree for maximum sweetness.
Prune Great Wall Persimmon in late winter while dormant to maintain its naturally upright, round-headed form. Remove any crossing or crowded branches to open the canopy and improve air circulation. This tree doesn't require heavy pruning; light shaping keeps it attractive and productive. Remove dead or diseased wood whenever you notice it.
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“Great Wall Persimmon carries the fingerprints of one of American agriculture's most important voices. J. Russell Smith, author of the visionary book Tree Crops, introduced this variety from China and championed it as part of his larger mission to reshape American farming around perennial food plants. Smith's work fundamentally changed how gardeners and farmers think about edible landscapes, and Great Wall became one of his tangible legacies, a tree that still grows in gardens today because of his foresight and advocacy nearly a century ago.”