The Date Plum, Diospyros
lotus, is a deciduous fruit tree that has been cultivated in Europe and Asia
for thousands of years. It is a beautiful upright tree with luxuriant, glossy, dark
green foliage that turns golden in the fall. D. lotus is a species of persimmon
and, like other persimmons, it has flavorful, bright orange fruits. The fruit
has an exquisitely rich flavor when it is fully ripe. The flavor has been
compared to a combination of dates and plums, hence the common name date plum. Unripe
fruits are very astringent and inedible. The abundant fruits are eaten fresh or
made into jelly when fully ripe. It is native to subtropical areas of southwest
Asia and southeast Europe. It usually grows up to 30-40 feet tall in
cultivation but it can grow up to 100 feet tall in the wild. D. lotus thrives
in loamy soils and under some slight shade. The soils should ideally be well
drained and have low acidity. It is used as a rootstock for the Asian
persimmon, Diospyros kaki. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Growing
Instructions
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1. Place the
seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 2-3
months.
2. The seeds
like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture of half potting soil
and half sand or vermiculite. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not
wet.
3. Sow the seeds
on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the
container and leave it to drain.
5. Put the pot
in a warm, sunny area.
6. Water the
pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The
seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Max (verified owner) –
Good service.
Riley (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Aadarsh (verified owner) –
So far so good!
Kaden Arabic (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Michael (verified owner) –
These seeds came right up and started producing squash. Can’t ask for more than that.