Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) HANA FUYU

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) 'Hana Fuyu'

Large-fruited sweet variety (PCNA), edible directly from the tree.

'Hana Fuyu' is a modern and easy-to-grow Japanese persimmon variety belonging to the PCNA group (Pollination Constant Non Astringent). This means its fruits are free of astringency and are sweet and edible even when firm, immediately after picking (similar to apples). Due to its compact growth and high frost resistance, it is ideal for gardens in warmer regions.

Key Highlights:

• PCNA type: Fruits are sweet, non-astringent, and can be eaten firm.
• Large fruits (200 – 260 g) with high flesh quality.
• High yield (up to 40 kg from a mature tree).
• High frost resistance (down to -20 °C).
• Resistant to pests and diseases (chemical-free growing).

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Asia (Selection of Diospyros kaki).

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Medium strength, compact. Reaches a height of 3 – 4 m at maturity. Spherical crown.
• Flowering: Blooms in June, avoiding spring frosts. The variety is self-fertile, though cross-pollination can improve fruit quality.
• Leaves: Large, decorative, turning orange in autumn.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Large, 200 – 260 g.
• Shape and Color: Flattened shape. Skin is deep red-orange when ripe.
• Flesh: Orange, firm, juicy. Non-gelatinous texture, crisp like an apple.
• Taste: Very sweet, harmonious, without any astringency.
• Consumption: Immediately after harvest (can be eaten with peel).

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Highly resistant to fungal diseases and pests. Suitable for organic gardening.
• Frost: Hardy to -20 °C. However, container cultivation or thorough winter protection is recommended for the first 3 years.
• Soil: Nutritious, humus-rich, medium-heavy (loam-clay), pH 5.5 – 6.8.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Location: Sunny, warm (south-facing), protected from wind. Suitable for wine-growing regions.
• Pruning: Spring pruning (March/April) to thin the crown. Note: Bears fruit on one-year-old wood.
• Young plants: Treat as a portable container plant for the first few years (outdoors in summer, cool room in winter).

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early, ripens from late September to mid-October.