Sheng

Sheng persimmon tree is an early-ripening kaki variety, reaching maturity from October in regions north of the Loire, depending on the year and climate.

The fruit has a very fruity aroma.

Sheng is an astringent persimmon, so the fruit should be eaten fully soft and ripe, once the astringency has disappeared. Astringent persimmons are generally sweeter than non-astringent types, which can be useful in cooler climates where kaki fruit may develop less sugar.

Astringency can also be removed by drying the fruit or by exposing it to alcohol vapours for 24 to 48 hours.

The tree is resistant and hardy against winter frost. As with other persimmons, spring frosts can damage developing buds, but the tree may restart from lower dormant or axillary buds.

Sheng is a fairly rare variety. Its late budbreak for a kaki gives it an advantage against spring frosts. It forms a medium-sized tree, comparable in size to an apple tree.

For best results, plant Sheng in a sunny, relatively sheltered position, protected from strong winds. Water during dry periods in the first years after planting and keep the base of the young tree clear of excessive weed competition.

We produce Sheng in several tree forms and on several rootstocks, including Diospyros lotus and Diospyros virginiana, depending on soil conditions and availability.