Diospyros kaki | Persimmon don’t need ideal soil and they will tolerate damp roots in winter and dry conditions in the summer. Cross-pollination is not usually necessary for the trees to bear fruit. And when the delicious fruit arrives, it’s a brilliant orange color and is mostly pest-free. In the right location, Persimmons can produce so much fruit that branches can break from the weight. Thinning may be required to retain form and support tree health. These beautiful trees bloom late in summer and only require 100 hours of chill time below 45°F. They can also grow quite large and should be planted about 20′ apart. Persimmons are an excellent choice for Bay Area gardens. However, in San Francisco and on the coast they require a sheltered sunny location to produce fruit.