How to Germinate a Persimmon Seed
- 1). Pick persimmons in the fall when they become ripe. Generally between October and November is the best time to pick the fruit.
- 2). Cut the persimmon open and take out the seeds. They are small flat, brown seeds ranging in quantity from one to around eight in each fruit.
- 3). Wash the seeds in plain water and spread them out on a towel to dry. Leave them to dry for at least two days.
- 4). Place the seeds in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel and close up the bag. Set the seeds in your refrigerator for the winter. This cooling process is called stratifying, and is required for the seeds to germinate. You can plant the seeds in the ground and let the winter weather cool the seeds. However, if you are going to start the seeds in flats, then it is easier to put them in the fridge.
- 5). Take the seeds out of the refrigerator before planting time and soak them in water for two days.
- 6). Place the seeds in flats of potting soil and cover with 1/4 inch of soil to complete the requirements for germination of the seeds. To grow the seeds, water the flats to dampen the soil, and place the containers in a sunny location.