Diospyros lotus, commonly known as Date Plum or Caucasian Persimmon, is a deciduous tree native to Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia with a rich history spanning thousands of years. Seeds exhibit long dormancy and require cold stratification of 60-90 days at 4°C combined with mechanical scarification to achieve reliable germination. Germination is typically slow and variable, occurring over 1-6 months at optimal temperatures of 15-27°C.
Before sowing
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds 3/8 inch (approximately 1 cm) deep, tamp the soil gently, and apply mulch to the seed bed. For faster and more regular germination, stratify seeds for 70 days in cold (4°C) before spring sowing. Keep substrate consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light after germination. Seedlings are slow-growing; transplant into deeper pots with well-drained loamy soil when large enough to handle. Alternatively, sow fresh seed in cold frame immediately after collection. Seeds lose viability relatively quickly, so use seed as fresh as possible.
Sources: PFAF Plant Database, Sheffield Seeds, Journal of Chemical Health Risks, Applied Fruit Science, multiple seed suppliers
