MEADER grafted persimmon

🪴 Description and origin

• Botanical name: Diospyros virginiana ‘Meader’. 
• This is a cultivar of the Virginia persimmon, selected in the United States (University of New Hampshire) by Elwyn Meader. 
• Deciduous fruit tree, used for ornamental and fruit production.

📏 Main characteristics

• Mature height: typically 20-26 ft (or even up to ~32-33 ft in good conditions) depending on the source. 
• Width: ~13-19 ft or more depending on space. 
• Habit: rounded to slightly upright, fairly open branching. 
• Fruit: small to medium size (~3-5 cm depending on source); deep orange skin when ripe. 
• Taste: sweet flesh after ripening (“overripeness”), notes of vanilla or rum according to some descriptions. 
• Pollination: Self-fertile: a single tree is sufficient for production. 
• Hardiness: Very good cold resistance (USDA zones 4 to 5 depending on source) – suitable for cold climates. 

☀️ Exposure & soil

• Ideal exposure: Full sun (or at least good light) for a good yield. 
• Soil: Well-drained but tolerates some variability. Prefers deep, low-lime soil. 
• Care: Low maintenance once established, tolerates even moderate drought conditions once well rooted. 

🗓️ Harvesting & use of fruit

• Harvesting: The fruit ripens in autumn (mid-September to October depending on the climate); it must be eaten when fully ripe/overripe (soft flesh) to lose its astringency. 
• Uses: Fresh fruit, or for drying, jams, desserts. 

✅ Advantages & ⚠️ Points to watch out for

• Advantages:
  • Highly hardy; suitable for cold regions.
  • Self-fertile, which simplifies production.
  • Good productivity.
  • Ornamental value (foliage, fruit, shape).
• Points to watch:
  • The fruit must be very ripe/overripe before consumption; otherwise, it will be very astringent. 
  • Space required: as it is a fairly large tree when mature, allow enough space.
  • Although it tolerates a variety of soils, poor drainage or very calcareous soil can be detrimental.

🛠️ Planting and care tips

• Plant in the fall or early spring in a well-prepared hole.
• Water well during the first year to help the roots establish themselves.
• Mulch around the tree to retain moisture and limit weeds.
• Prune lightly only to shape or remove dead wood.
• Over the years, limit the shade cast on the tree to maintain good fruit production.