Early Jewel

Early Jewel American Persimmon Tree, also known as H-118, is a very early selection of Diospyros virginiana, appreciated for its ability to ripen in colder climates and shorter growing seasons.

The fruit is relatively large for an American persimmon and develops an orange to reddish-orange colour at maturity. When fully ripe, the flesh becomes soft, sweet and aromatic, with the rich flavour typical of good American persimmons.

Early Jewel is an astringent persimmon before full maturity, so the fruit should be eaten only when completely soft, dried, or properly ripened after harvest. At this stage, the astringency disappears and the fruit develops its best flavour.

This variety is particularly interesting for northern and continental climates, where many Asian persimmons may struggle to ripen reliably. American persimmons are generally very hardy and show good resistance to common diseases.

Early Jewel originates from the American breeding work of James Claypool and is valued for its combination of earliness, fruit quality and cold hardiness. Planting another Diospyros virginiana nearby may help improve fruit set depending on local pollination conditions.

Our Early Jewel persimmon trees are produced in different forms depending on current nursery stock.