Description
“Diospyros” translates as “food for the Gods ” and rightly so. Ripe fruits from this North American native have a caramel taste with hint of heavy cream and citrus with a dense pudding texture. Even though the fruits are smaller than their Asian kin, the overall taste is deep, rich and complex. The only drawback is the fruit should be touched by frost first to remove its astringency. Unique ivory white egg shaped flowers look like a spent Alien embryo pod. Lovely tree worthy enough as is to be an ornamental with lovely alligator textured bark and leaves at first glance look like they’re from an exotic magnolia. Excellent for fresh eating, jam, preserves and spirits.
- Seed Count: 12-15
- Collection Date: Jan 2022
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Height and Width: 10m x 8m
- Germination test type: cut; float
- Family: Ebenaceae
How to germinate Diospyros virginiana seeds (two methods):
Soak seed 24 hours. Cold stratify 60-90 days. Sow in a sand/peat top layer. Germinate at 20 C. Can take 30-60 days to germinate. Sow thinly as these seedlings are very bushy and growth isn’t as vigorous when growing close together. Perhaps best to start in deep plug trays until you see roots coming out of the drain holes then pop them into individual one gallon pots to grow out. Don’t let seedlings freeze in their first winter.
Alternate germination technique we use with great success in 2022. Soak seed 24-48 hours in very warm water with at least two changes. Place seed in resealable baggie with warm moist friable medium. Give warm stratification. We’ve had seed germinate within 2 weeks & transplanted them into deep growing pots under lights. Do not disturb seedling roots until 6 inches (15cm) tall otherwise they will sulk.
