Joann.............thanks! The idea that someone is able to pick them out of a forest intrigues me. :0) Such a pretty red!

I love persimmons! Here is a good picture of what they should look like when you pick them. Wrinkly and soft. You can eat the skins, but I don't eat the seeds.

Hachia Persimmons are the astringent ones. They are more round and you can pick them when hard but you have to let the soften up on the counter before you eat them or you'll get the alum feeling described above.

Fuyu are squished. They look like a tomato. They are non-astringent and you can eat them hard (like an apple) or soft.

I grew up with grandma always having hachia trees. I am relandscaping my backyard now and will be planting a fuyu. I like that they are more versatile.

Either one you pick, they are very sweet and really yummy!

Guys......so what kind of seeds do they have? I googled them and it says they grow in China? So what climate is that?

They are similar to watermelon seeds. Break one open and it will predict your winter supposedly!

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter and the persimmon seed

I am in zone 7 and have persimmon trees. Would you like some seeds?

kathy813.....That's very nice of you to offer. :0) Thanks! But........would seeds grow in zone 5? They look like something COOL to grow.....

Kathy813, I'm in zone 8 north Fla. Do you think they will grow here? I'd love some seeds.

Here is some info on persimmon trees:
#
The persimmon is a multitrunked or single-stemmed deciduous tree that is hardy in planting zones 7 through 10. This is a tree for areas with moderate winters and mild summers so check the USDA Hardiness Zone map for the trees suitability in your area.
# Persimmon trees are frequently purchased as bare root specimens through mail order distributors. Trees are normally shipped from December through March and it is advisable to plant as soon as it is received in the spring. Bare root plants shock easily so watering is important. Containerized trees transplant more successfully.
# If planting more than one tree, space them 20 to 25 feet apart. Persimmon usually grow to a height of 25 feet and equally as wide.
# Persimmon is dioecious. Each tree produces either male or female flowers. If growing the persimmon for its fruit both male and female trees must be planted.
# American persimmons tend to sucker heavily. Yearly pruning is required to maintain the tree's desired open vase shape and to focus growth into the main branches. Remove dead or broken limbs regularly.

I am in planting zone 5 and persimmon trees are common here, so they grow beyond the zones mentioned above. Also these trees can live decades and get HUGE. One of the biggest trees I ever saw was a persimmon tree in a graveyard.

lydia1959.....really! That's great information. Zone 5 has possibilities after all....

kathy813.......Yes....and maybe you'd like some seeds from my flower garden? I just picked a bunch today.....?

Y'all send me an email with your address and I will mail you some Alabama seeds. Kathy