I lived in the Sacramento California area Before moving back to the St Louis, Mo area. That area was great for the Fuyu Persimmon. Most of the growers were on hillside acreages. If you think about it the hillside growing provided great drainage for the trees. You can reproduce those conditions by providing a raised bed for the tree or by planting the trees on a slight mound. My observation is that when most people say they have dug a hole twice the size of the container means they've dug a hole twice the depth of the container. When you do that after the soil settles in a few months to a years your tree will end up being in a well which holds to much water and drowns out the tree. You received good information about your planting the tree so it will survive. If it was me I would plant a 7 gallon pot at least 4"-6" above the level of compacted soil. Good Luck on your Persimmon.

Well your in zone 6 so its cold and they do that at this time of year because of that.

Why are the leaves on this plant curling up?

24 hrs after my original post it appeared this plant was history. Became very withered and started to yellow. But kept tending it and now 5 days later it is about 4-5 ins taller and much fuller and is developing small blossoms. Admittedly it still looks pathetic and very curled but better than last week. When I purchased from a farm market they indicated this blue variety had somewhat curled leave. But to me still looks dieased. Here are photos. Thanks for any advice.