Description

Persimmon Seedlings

Embark on a profitable venture with Organic Farm’s certified persimmon seedlings (Diospyros kaki), featuring high-yielding, non-astringent varieties like Fuyu and Jiro, ideal for Kenya’s diverse climates. These vibrant orange fruits, with a sweet, honey-like flavor and cinnamon undertones, are rich in vitamins A, C, fiber, and antioxidants, gaining traction in Kenya’s local and export markets. Organically propagated from seeds in Muranga, Kenya, our KEPHIS-certified seedlings are selected for vigor and adaptability, perfect for farmers in regions like Nyeri, Nakuru, and beyond aiming to tap into a growing niche.

Benefits of Persimmon Farming

• Nutritional Value: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, persimmons support digestion, eye health, immunity, and heart health, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, dried (as Hoshigaki), or in juices, jams, baked goods, and liqueurs; leaves are used for teas, and fruits are processed for cosmetics and nutraceuticals.

• High Profitability: Yields 5–10 tonnes per acre, fetching competitive prices locally and higher for exports to markets like Germany, Japan, and the Middle East, generating significant income per acre annually.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant trees require minimal intervention, producing for 50+ years, suitable for agroforestry and smallholder farms.

Favorable Climates for Persimmons in Kenya

Persimmons thrive in warm, temperate climates with temperatures of 20–35°C and rainfall of 800–1,500mm, tolerating arid conditions with irrigation. They grow at altitudes of 800–2,000m and have minimal chilling requirements, unlike other deciduous trees.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Central Kenya: Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Kericho, Eldoret

• Western Kenya: Kakamega, Bungoma

• Coastal Kenya: Kilifi, Mombasa

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Meru

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained, deep loamy or sandy loam soils; tolerates heavy clay with good drainage.

• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral); test and amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Enrich with organic matter like compost or manure.

• Drainage: Essential to prevent root rot; avoid waterlogged areas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Persimmons

Site Preparation

• Choose a sunny site with 6–8 hours of sunlight, sheltered from strong winds to protect blossoms; install windbreaks if needed.

• Clear weeds, rocks, and debris; plow to achieve fine tilth and incorporate well-decomposed manure.

• Test soil pH and ensure proper drainage.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 50cm x 50cm x 50cm (1.6 ft x 1.6 ft x 1.6 ft), spaced 4m x 4m to 6m x 6m (120–250 trees per acre) to allow canopy growth.

• Mix topsoil with 10–15kg well-decomposed manure; avoid direct fertilizer contact with roots to prevent burn.

Planting Seedlings

• Use KEPHIS-certified non-grafted seedlings from Organic Farm, propagated from seeds for genetic diversity and adaptability to local conditions.

• Plant during rainy seasons (March–May or October–November), placing the root collar at soil level; backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

• Soak roots in water for 2–3 hours before planting to reduce transplant shock.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch 5cm from the trunk.

Caring for Persimmon Trees

• Irrigation: Water young trees every 5–7 days (20–30 liters weekly) during dry periods; mature trees are drought-tolerant but need irrigation during fruiting to enhance size and flavor. Use drip irrigation for efficiency.

• Fertilization: Apply balanced NPK 10:10:10 or organic compost annually at the start of the rainy season; avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive leaf growth. Supplement with foliar micronutrients if needed.

• Pruning: Prune annually during dormancy (April–August) to maintain an open canopy, remove dead or crossing branches, and promote fruiting. Keep trees at 3–5m for easy harvesting.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for fruit flies, mealybugs, and diseases like leaf spot or mildew; use neem oil, copper fungicide, or horticultural oil preventatively. Maintain orchard hygiene and source disease-free seedlings.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 4m x 4m to 6m x 6m (13 ft x 13 ft to 20 ft x 20 ft), depending on variety and land size.

• Population: 120–250 trees per acre, optimizing yield and airflow.

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 20–40 kg of fruit annually at maturity (5–7 years), with seed-propagated trees taking longer to fruit than grafted ones.

• Per Acre: 5–10 tonnes, generating significant income depending on local and export market prices.

• Fruiting Timeline: Begins 4–6 years after planting, peaking at 7–10 years; harvest in November–February when fruits turn vibrant orange and are firm (non-astringent) or soft (astringent).

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Persimmon Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our persimmon seedlings offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Propagated from seeds of select non-astringent varieties (Fuyu, Jiro) for high yields, sweet flavor, and adaptability, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Varieties:

  • Fuyu: Non-astringent, round, sweet, ideal for fresh consumption and export.

  • Jiro: Non-astringent, juicy, suited for local and international markets.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, and market linkages for local and export markets (Germany, Japan, Middle East).

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation supports soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya (e.g., Nyeri, Nakuru, Mombasa) and East Africa.

Join Kenya’s emerging persimmon industry, fueled by rising demand for exotic, nutrient-rich fruits, with Organic Farm’s certified seedlings. Order now to establish a low-maintenance orchard that delivers vibrant, profitable harvests for decades!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com