This is an Excellent Fruit Tree for Ornamental use and makes an Excellent Specimen. The Tree is a Sight to Behold when Leaves have Fallen in Autumn, Displaying the Bright Yellow-Orange Fruits throughout the Canopy. Japanese Persimmon develops an Attractive Red Fall Color. Diospyros kaki, commonly called kaki, Japanese persimmon or Oriental persimmon, is a deciduous tree with a rounded spreading crown that typically grows to 20-30’ tall. Outer branches may droop. This tree is noted not only for its edible fruits but also for its excellent ornamental features. Cultivars of this tree produce the persimmons sold in supermarkets today. Kaki is native to India, Burma, China and Korea, and is widely cultivated in Japan. Oval to obovate leaves (to 6" long) emerge yellowish-green in spring, mature to glossy green in summer and turn gold to red in fall. Edible persimmon fruits (to 3-4" diameter) mature to bright orange in late fall, and may persist on the tree into winter. Fruits are particularly noticeable and attractive when hanging on a tree after leaf drop. Fruits are classified as astringent or non-astringent. Fruits are commonly sliced or eaten whole. Flesh may be added to salads, pancakes, cookies, jellies, jams, marmalades, syrups, puddings, ice creams or pies. Persimmon leaves can be used to make teas. Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 Persimmon Germination: 1) Persimmon seeds have a relatively low germination rate of 25 to 35 percent, so start multiple seeds to increase the likelihood of success with each grow. 2) Wrap the seeds in moistened sphagnum moss or paper towel, then put them in a plastic bag or jar inside the refrigerator for three months. If the moss or paper towel dries out, spritz it with some water to keep the persimmon seeds moist. 3) Persimmon seedlings form a long taproot early on, so they need to be grown in tall plastic containers that will allow the root to form without cramping it. Sow one seed per pot in sterile potting mixture, and make sure the pot has drainage holes at the base. Plant the seeds at a depth of 2 inches, and then set the pots in a warm, bright location. 4) Use a heated propagator to keep the temperature above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Tiny persimmon seedlings should appear in six to eight weeks.