Persimmons are golden, fragrant tropical fruits. They are also called Kaki or Sharon fruit. The persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) came from Japan. Two coomon kinds exist. 'Fuio' has seeds. 'Triumph' is seedless. Ripe persimmons are round, sweet and crisp. Unripe ones taste bitter. Persimmons are full of vitamins A and C. They also have antioxidants an fiber. This makes them a popular fruit. Persimmon fruit grows well in the Kenyan climate. They are very valuable and can grow in different climates.
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| Persimmon Fruit Tree |
The
processing of persimmon is a sweetening ingredient in baked products
and fruity ice creams, jellies, nectars, in dry form. Persimmon is used in its
fresh form as a source of polyphenols, which serves as natural antioxidants,
dry and also as a beverage. It was shown that persimmon can be used for the
production of liqueur.
With
its rich flavor and numerous health benefits, persimmons are becoming one of
the most liked in local and international markets. It does not matter whether you're
a seasoned farmer looking to diversify or a newcomer to fruit farming,
persimmons can offer you a rewarding and profitable fruit farming venture. Let’s
go through the step-by-step process of persimmon farming, its profitability,
discuss challenges like pests and diseases, and offer some tips for achieving
maximum productivity.
Why Persimmon Fruit Farming in Kenya?
Kenya’s
favorable climate, coupled with a growing demand for exotic fruits both locally
and internationally, makes persimmon farming an appealing option. The fruit is
relatively easy to grow, requires less water than other fruit crops, and has
the potential to yield high returns when managed properly.
Step-by-Step Process for Persimmon Farming in Kenya
Starting
a persimmon farm may seem like a daunting task, but with the right steps and
approach, you’ll be on your way to success. Here’s a breakdown of how to grow
persimmons from scratch:
1. Land Selection and Preparation for Persimmon Farming
Before you plant persimmons, it’s crucial to select the right piece of land. The ideal land should have good drainage, as persimmons do not tolerate water logging. A sloped area is preferable, as it helps with water drainage. The soil should be well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7), and rich in organic matter.
Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, stones and debris. Tilling the soil 30cm helps roots grow easily. Mixing compost enriches the soil. This added organic matter boosts the soil fertility.
2. Selecting the Right Variety
There are several varieties of persimmons, but the two most common ones grown in Kenya are the Fuyu and the Hachiya varieties. Two common persimmon types grow in Kenya: Fuyu and Hachiya.
- Fuyu persimmons are non-astringent. They are good to eat when firm and this makes them great for fresh eating.
- Hachiya: This is an astringent variety which must ripen completely before consumption. It is mostly used for making jams, dried fruits or juices.
3. Planting the Persimmon Trees
After choosing your persimmon type, planting is next. And you need to plant during Kenya's rainy season, that is (March-May) for best results. You can still plant it in the dry season but you will need to water regularly.
- Spacing: Space your persimmon trees at 6-7 meters apart. This gives them some room to grow to gen enough sunlight that really helps them to flower and produce fruit.
- Planting holes: In planting your persimmon fruit tree seedling, dig a hole that is a bit bigger than the root ball. Place the fruit tree seedling in the hole and make sure the root collar is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil and water your new tree seedling well.
4. Watering and Irrigation
Although
persimmons are drought-tolerant, young trees require regular watering until
they are well-established. Once the trees mature, they need less water, but
it’s important to provide adequate irrigation during dry spells to ensure
healthy growth and fruit production.
Consider
installing a drip irrigation system, which is an efficient way to provide
consistent moisture while avoiding waterlogging. Drip irrigation also helps
save water, which is crucial in areas where water is not readily available.
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5. Fertilization
Want strong persimmon trees with lots of fruits? You need to fertilize them often! For the first two years use balanced fertilizers. The fertilizer should have nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Compost or manure are good too.
Once the trees grow, use less fertilizer, and pick types with more potassium and phosphorous a these do hep your persimmon fruits to grow big.
Pruning and Shaping the Persimmon Tree
Pruning helps to keep your persimmon trees healthy and shaped well. You can do it when it's dry. And you prune by cutting off dead or even sick branches. This pruning also helps to let air and sun reach the tree. Sun and air are key for making fruit
Shape the tree with one main stem. Also remove branches that fight for space. This helps the tree grow straight and it also makes picking fruit easier.
It takes 3-4 years for persimmon fruit trees to make fruit and more fruit grows as the trees get older or mature. But it takes a shorter period when you use grafted seedlings which are available at Richfarm Kenya. You can contact us at 0724698357/0723213602 to place your order.
7. Pollination
Persimmons can pollinate themselves or self-pollinate. But more trees nearby help a lot in the pollination process. Plant a few trees close together as this makes sure they get pollinated well. Persimmon flowers are small and bees and other bugs will take care of them.
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| A Persimmon Fruit Harvest |
8. Harvesting
Persimmons
take about 3-4 years to begin producing fruit, and the yield increases as the
trees mature. When the fruit ripens, it turns from green to a vibrant orange.
Harvest the fruits when they’re firm, but fully colored. If you’re growing
non-astringent varieties like Fuyu, you can eat the fruits while they’re still
firm.
For
astringent varieties like Hachiya, ensure the fruit has softened fully before
picking, as it can be very bitter if harvested too early.
Pests and Diseases
Growing persimmons can be tough. Bugs and sicknesses or diseases can hurt your fruit and crop size, so always stay alert.
The common bugs include aphids, scale and fruit flies. Fight the aphids with bug spray or labdybugs as a natural/organic method. Check your persimmon fruit trees for damage often and act fast if you spot any issues.
Diseases
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose can hit your persimmon really hard. Ensure you space out your trees appropriately and practice crop rotation to your soil healthy and disease free and this will cut down on any arising problems with your soil.
Remember, healthy trees and good watering habits matter most.
Maximizing Productivity
To
get the most out of your persimmon farm, focus on improving the health of the
trees, optimizing irrigation, and preventing pests and diseases. Additionally,
consider implementing good crop rotation practices to keep the soil healthy and
reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.
Ensure
that your trees receive adequate sunlight and avoid overcrowding, which can
lead to poor fruit production. Consistently monitor the trees for nutrient
deficiencies and pest infestations.
Marketing Your Persimmons
The demand for persimmons is rising globally, especially in Europe and Asia. Therefore, the market for persimmons is promising, both locally and internationally. As a farmer, it’s important to establish strong relationships with fruit distributors, supermarkets, and exporters. Additionally, consider selling directly to local farmers’ markets or through online platforms to reach consumers interested in fresh, exotic fruits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long until persimmons grow?
Expect fruit in 3-4 years but a shorter period for grafted varieties. Don't forget that it really depends on the type of care and management carried out.
2. How much water is need for persimmon trees?
Young persimmon trees need regular watering, whereas the established trees are hardy and you can water them when it's dry for best results.
3. What are common diseases affecting persimmon farming?
They can get fungus and therefore you need to prune often and space out the trees properly. You can also use recommended sprays to protect them.
4. Is Persimmon farming profitable?
Yes, it can be very profitable in Kenya. There is market locally and for export. The fruit;s health benefits coupled with it's growing popularity make it a high-demand crop.
5.
What is the market price of persimmons in Kenya?
The
market price for persimmons in Kenya can range between Ksh 1,000 and Ksh 2,000
per kilogram, depending on the quality and demand. With an estimated yield of
10 tons (10,000 kg) per acre.
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