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

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 indoors right away for best germination rates. Soak the seeds for 12-24 hours before planting. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 60-90 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature (20-22 °C, 68-72 °F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-90 days after the warming period, though some can take longer. Do not discard the planting tray, as patience is needed, and they are well worth the wait.