The biggest I've seen are not too big, maybe 12-15 ft tall by 15-18ft wide. Don't think they need much pruning. I'd just let it go as is.

The Fruitnut

Alabama:

I'm sort of in the same position as you, having planted Fuyu, Hachiya, and Eureka in the early spring of '07. Mine came from Womack Nursery in DeLeon, TX, and I am pretty sure they are on American persimmon roostock, but wouldn't swear to that.

I planted them among the other orchard trees, in what is, for me, pretty close spacing of about 12 feet to the next trees. I really don't know how large these things will become, or whether there will be significant differences among the varieties. So I am just going to let them grow unless they do something really outrageous.

However, I am encouraged by an Asian persimmon tree I saw in the front yard of a home in Falls Church VA, not far south of me. That little tree, fully mature and loaded with nice big persimmons, was about 10 feet tall with equivalent spread. I talked to the owner, and he never pruned the tree, though he didn't know what variety it was. When I saw that demonstration, I knew I had to try this fruit, which I always thought was difficult to grow in my climate.

During the first growing season, the trees put on nearly 3 feet of growth, and are beautiful with their shiny leaves even if they never do have persimmons.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Thanks guys. Since it tops out at around 15ft I think I will leave it alone.

If you wish to harvest the fruit without having to climb on a ladder you may want to keep it pruned to a convenient size. (To harvest you have to clip the fruit or bunches individually generally using hand pruners.) Also, my Fuyu has a very high number of waterspout growth throughout the growing season and it detracts from the appearance of the tree if I don't cut them out after fruit harvest.

I have a Womack Fuyu which was planted in Jan 2005. It has been a very slow grower. The first year, it hardly did more than put out a few leaves. The second year, it grew a few inches and looks healthy for a change, but growth was still very slow.

I've seen large persimmon trees, so they may grow more once established. I wouldn't worry about pruning fruiting wood until a sold growth rate has been established

I found I could sort of screw off the fruit instead of relying on pruners. (Sometimes the fruits were too close to get the blades in, or I didn't have pruners with me.)

jellyman
3 feet growth the year planted?
give us some tips please like planting style & if u fertilize with what?
my saijo, hachiya, & chocolate have put on mere inches
they are the only trees in my orchard that I barely prune

Jellyman's post was from 5 years ago. I haven't seen him active in the forums in quite a while.

I believe he is a firm believer in frequent and deep mulching with horse manure from nearby stables which comes mixed with bedding. So likely the trees were well mulched with it.

GOM,

If you want a jump start then use Miracle-Gro for a season or two to get it going. After that too much nitrogen will cause fruits drop.

Tony

murky good tips thats what I do but with a local organic goat farm
tonytran organic only but gee thanx