Cultivating persimmons in our garden has presented several challenges. The commercially favoured varieties of persimmon exhibit decreased hardiness under adverse conditions. Moreso, with the persistent droughts experienced over the past decade and relatively mild winters. Persimmons are deciduous trees that undergo a dormant phase during winter. However, this dormancy is extended in warmer winters, rendering them more susceptible to the summer heat. Hence, significantly high mortality rate among young, grafted persimmon trees. Nonetheless, as our food forest thrived, the surrounding vegetation’s protective benefits positively impacted the persimmon trees’ health.
Additionally, persimmon flowers may drop in hot, windy summers, potentially reducing yields. In contrast, the plants that reverted to rootstocks burst with blossoms that withstand harsh conditions. While the fruits from the remaining persimmon rootstocks may not be as market-worthy, they play a crucial role as reliable pollinators for the less prolific commercial varieties. We are committed to not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Salvaging what remains of the plants that do not survive or thrive is essential in boosting our productivity. We are actively exploring innovative ways to enhance our persimmon trees’ survival rates and yields.
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