Prok American Persimmon Tree

A standout among American persimmons, the Prok Persimmon Tree (Diospyros virginiana ‘Prok’) is prized for its large, flavorful fruit, cold-hardiness, and easy-care nature—perfect for growers in USDA Zones 5–8.

Originally selected by renowned fruit grower John Gordon of New York, ‘Prok’ produces extra-large, deep orange fruit that’s sweet, juicy, and nearly seedless when fully ripe. With a smooth, custard-like texture, these persimmons are excellent for fresh eating, baking, preserves, and drying.

The tree itself is a vigorous, fast-growing native variety, reaching a mature size of 35–50 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent shade or specimen tree in larger yards, homesteads, or food forests.

Why You’ll Love the Prok American Persimmon Tree

• Large fruit size – Produces medium to large orange persimmons, 2.5–3 inches in diameter
• Delicious flavor – Sweet, smooth, and rich with honeyed notes when fully ripe
• Heavy-bearing – Known for its consistent, abundant crops once established
• Cold-hardy & adaptable – Thrives in Zones 5–8, tolerant of loamy, well-drained soil
• Self-pollinating – No second tree needed to produce fruit
• Low maintenance – Drought-tolerant once established; few pest issues
• Native species – Supports wildlife and pollinators; beautiful white spring blooms

Prok Persimmon Tree Growing & Care Guide

• Ripening Time: Mid-September to late fall
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours/day)
• Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained loamy soil, pH 6.0–7.0
• Watering: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during establishment
• Fertilizer: Balanced fertilizer applied in early spring
• Pruning: Minimal—remove dead or damaged branches in late winter
• Years to Bear: 3–4 years after planting
• Mature Size: 35–50 feet tall and wide
• Recommended Spacing: 35–50 feet apart

Whether you’re planting a backyard orchard or want a native tree that delivers beauty and bounty, the Prok American Persimmon is a trusted favorite among home growers for its early ripening, impressive yields, and reliably cold-hardy, low-maintenance growth.

Note: Our persimmon trees are grown in EZ Start® pots, which allow the roots to self-air prune and redirect energy to producing a dense mass of feeder roots. The main tap root will begin forming once planted in its permanent location, and will fully develop over the next 2-3 years.