Diospyros lotus, with common names date-plum, Caucasian persimmon, or lilac persimmon, is a widely cultivated species of the genus Diospyros, native to subtropical southwest Asia and southeast Europe. Its English name derives from the small fruit, which have a taste reminiscent of both plums and dates. It is among the oldest plants in cultivation.

It is cultivated in the U.S. and North Africa. They often grow with hackberry, ash, maple and other deciduous species. It is not demanding on the soil and can grow on rocky slopes but requires a well lit environment.

This is a tree height of 15–30 m with sloughing of aging bark. Fruits are berries with juicy flesh, yellow when ripe, 2 cm in diameter.

Caucasian persimmon fruits are edible and contain much sugar, malic acid, and vitamins. They are used as fresh fruits or after frost, but usually dried. Drying and frost destroy their tartness.

Type: Hardy tree

Hardiness zones: 7-9

Location: Sun

Seeds per pack: 5  (previously 3)

Availability: If these seeds are showing out of stock, we strongly recommend joining our wait list, as these seeds have a very shorty viability window, and this helps ensure you get the freshest seeds possible! If they are available, they will only be available for a short time.

Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Surface sow in a pot. Water, and place in plastic, and in the fridge for 60 days for stratification. Then bring to warmth for them to germinate. Plants germinate in 1-4 months after the warming period. Plant trees outdoors the following spring, or if it is summer plant outdoors before fall frosts.