Join us for a deep dive into the fascinating world of American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)! In this episode of the Good Growing Podcast, Chris, Ken, and special guest Nick Frillman explore everything from tree identification and growing tips to wildlife connections and seed stratification.

We’ll bust common myths—like whether persimmons need frost to ripen—and uncover quirky folklore, including the famous fork, knife, or spoon winter prediction.

Skip to what you want to know:

00:33 Hey Ken!
01:28 Where can we find persimmon growing naturally in Illinois?
05:31 Sprouting persimmon seeds.
07:51 What animals are eating and moving the seeds around Illinois?
08:49 Folklore: Do persimmons require a frost to ripen?
10:15 Can persimmon seeds predict the future winter weather?
15:07 Other persimmon myths/facts
16:56 Persimmon is the sweetest fruit native to Illinois.
17:54 Where can we go to learn more about persimmons?
19:18 Svannah Institute persimmon breeding
19:29 University of Connecticut Climate Smart Orchard Handout
19:50 Thank yous and Happy New Year!

Growing and Enjoying Pawpaw and Persimmon with Patrick Byers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy6aZdQ5Fok
Cliff England - persimmon breeder
James (Jim) Claypool - persimmon breeder (deceased)
Cornell - http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/mfruit/persimmons.html
Savanna Institute - https://www.savannainstitute.org/persimmon/

Contact us!
Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu
Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu
Nick Frillman frillma2@illinois.edu

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk

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