How to Propagate a Chinese Persimmon

Chinese, or kaki, persimmons grow commonly around Beijing, China. As with the American variety of persimmons, the Chinese species vary considerably in size and ripe color. There are two distinct methods for propagating persimmons: stem cuttings and planting seeds from the fruit. Rooting stem cuttings may be difficult, as many stems must be used to create a single seedling. In other words, rooting stems of the persimmon has a low success rate. Properly planting seeds from the fruit has a higher success rate, due to the number of seeds in each fruit pod.

• 1

  Remove the seeds from the Chinese persimmon fruit. The seed count ranges from six to eight per fruit. Place the seeds into a quart jar that's half full of water. Screw the lid on top of the jar and set it in a warm location out of direct sunlight.

• 2

  Rinse the seeds in the jar with fresh water. Fill the jar half full. Allow the seeds to settle for a half-hour. Discard all seeds that float, as these seeds have less viability for germination. Collect the seeds and place them into a sealed plastic bag. Set them in the refrigerator for 90 to 120 days to stratify.

• 3

  Mix equal amounts of peat moss and sand in the 6-inch-diameter pot with drainage holes. Fill the pot to within 1 inch of the rim. Add 1 qt. of water to the potting soil mix. Allow all excess water to drain.

• 4

  Plant up to six Chinese persimmon seeds, evenly spaced, around the perimeter of the 6-inch pot. Keep the seeds an inch from the inside rim. Press the seeds 1 inch deep and cover them with soil.

• 5

  Cover the pot and soil with a single piece of plastic food wrap. Set the pot in a warm area out of direct sunlight.

• 6

  Check for moisture content every two weeks. Lift the food wrap and insert your finger into the soil 1 inch deep. If the soil feels dry, add 1 cup of water. Cover the pot with the food wrap plastic. Germination should take place in 30 to 60 days, depending on climate conditions.

• 7

  Remove the plastic food wrap once the seedlings are 1 to 2 inches tall. Keep the seedlings moist. Place the pot in a sunny location and allow the plants to grow for the remainder of the season.

• 8

  Set the pot outside in early autumn to ready the seedlings for cold weather. Once all the leaves have fallen from the seedlings, place them in a cool area, but keep the plants from freezing. Always keep the soil moist.