Diospyros Kaki 'Izu'


Renowned as one of the very earliest non-astringent varieties to ripen in the autumn, Diospyros kaki 'Izu' is a prized Japanese cultivar that delivers sweet, gourmet flavor well before other persimmons. It produces medium-to-large, rounded, slightly flattened fruits that transform into a glowing, brilliant orange-red. Because it is completely non-astringent, the fruit can be enjoyed crisp and firm straight off the branch like a sweet apple, or allowed to fully ripen into a silky, jelly-like treat. Naturally dwarf and slow-growing with a compact, bushy habit, its glossy dark green leaves turn striking shades of fiery red, orange, and gold in the fall, making it an exceptional choice for smaller garden spaces, patio containers, and sunny orchards alike.

  • Safe for pets and children
  • Repot once every 2 years
  • Fertilize once a month
  • Average water
  • Bright, direct light

About Diospyros Kaki 'Izu'

Origin

Developed in Japan and introduced in 1970, 'Izu' is a premium non-astringent cultivar prized for its compact size and early harvest date. It is naturally adapted to warm-temperate regions with sunny summers.

Air Purifying

Its lush green canopy filters ambient air and enriches outdoor seating areas with fresh oxygen. In autumn, its foliage shifts to brilliant red and orange before dropping for winter dormancy.

Toxicity

Non-toxic to cats and dogs according to ASPCA plant databases. Ensure pets do not chew on discarded fruit pits, which can pose a minor intestinal blockage risk if swallowed whole.

Caring for Diospyros Kaki 'Izu'

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy, watering deeply when the top 2 inches feel dry. Regular, even watering during fruit formation prevents fruit splitting and premature dropping.

Light and Placement

Requires full sun for maximum fruit yield, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunshine daily. Ideal for sunny decks, patios, or south-facing garden spots with good air circulation.

Nutrition

Feed once in early spring with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer rich in potassium and micronutrients. Limit nitrogen application to ensure energy stays focused on sweet fruit production rather than excess foliage.

Repotting

Repot every 2 to 3 years during late winter using a broad, sturdy container to accommodate its root system. Fill with a well-draining soil mix enriched with compost and coarse perlite.

Pruning and Flowering

Prune while dormant in late winter to shape the compact canopy and clear out dead or crossing branches. Yields small bell-shaped spring flowers that ripen into sweet, firm orange persimmons by early fall.

Diospyros Kaki 'Izu' SOS

Illness

Highly disease-resistant, though scale and mealybugs can occasionally appear on stems. Poor drainage or erratic watering is the primary cause of yellowing leaves and fruit drop.

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