Persimmon (Raven)

Description

Raven™ is an Asian persimmon (Diospyros kaki) grown for one of the most unusual persimmon traits you can put in a home orchard: glossy-black fruit. It’s a true conversation piece in fall, especially when those nearly black persimmons hang against glowing autumn foliage.

This is a soft-ripe persimmon. Raven™ should be eaten when the fruit becomes soft and tender—picked too early, it will be unpleasantly astringent. Given time to fully ripen, the fruit becomes sweet and enjoyable with the classic custardy persimmon experience. Raven™ is also valued for ripening early compared to many kaki types and for staying naturally compact. Your tree is grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstock for resilience and adaptability.

Overview

• Asian persimmon with distinctive glossy-black fruit.
• Astringent until fully soft and ripe.
• Early ripening season.
• Naturally compact tree size for home orchards.
• Excellent fall interest from fruit and foliage.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Diospyros kaki ’Raven’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilRootstock: Grafted onto American persimmon seedling rootstockHardiness: Best in mild-winter persimmon climates; established trees are hardy to 0°F in protected sitesBearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: Typically 10–12 ft tall and wide; easily maintained at a smaller size with routine pruningBloom Time: Late springRipening Time: Early to mid fallPollination Requirements: Self-fertilePests & Diseases: Generally low-pressure; good airflow and drainage reduce issues

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: Raven™ is one of the most visually dramatic persimmons you can grow—those glossy-black fruits look almost unreal on the tree.
• Regional Insight: Best suited to regions with warm summers and mild to moderate winters where Asian persimmons finish ripening reliably.
• This is a soft-ripe persimmon: if the fruit tastes drying or unpleasant, it isn’t ripe yet—wait for full softness.
• Explore more Asian persimmons in our collection: Asian Persimmons