Persimmons need moist soil to develop
Q: Three years ago we planted a persimmon tree. We were told they do well here in Mesquite. When we planted the tree it was 3 years old. It's 10 feet tall now but there's no sign of fruit. We were told it is self-pollinating. What can we do to get some fruit on this tree?
A: Persimmons are not terribly hard to grow here but they are out of their climate zone. They need to have the soil kept moist during fruit development or they will drop their fruit.
The fruit are hard to see and so they can be missed if you are not paying attention. I would make sure they are getting enough water, the soil is kept moist and use several inches of surface mulch to help prevent the soil from drying out .
Q: A neighbor asked me about fig trees and avocado trees. He is interested in their fruit bearing. I know we have success with figs in Southern Nevada, but I'm not sure about avocados.
A: I don't really like to recommend avocados for this climate due to winter cold damage. Most won't survive temperatures below 27 F, particularly if they are in a windy spot.
It would require a very warm winter microclimate here and be placed out of the wind. Perhaps if they lived in the downtown area and in a protected area near a hot wall, they might be OK for a few years.
Some of the more cold-tolerant avocados include Lula and Mexicola, but they are not considered to have high-quality fruit. The high-quality fruit trees, such as Haas, are usually very sensitive to cold.
Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Direct gardening questions to the master gardener hot line at 257-5555 or contact Morris by e-mail at morrisr@unce.unr.edu.
