North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Hilborn.E@epamail.epa.gov]

I planted a potted Ichi Ki Kei Jiro that was about 2 feet tall in late
winter 2007.    It grew well over the summer.

In the late summer of 2007, twig girdlers topped 2 feet off the tree
leaving a 3 inch stump.  I pruned it back to the next lateral and
trained the lateral as a new leader.

This spring it is vigorous, looks happy and is COVERED with blooms!  It
is only 3.5 feet tall.

Question: do Asian persimmons experience fruit drop?  When and how much
should I thin the fruit (assuming the flowers set fruit)?  OR given the
age and history, should I remove all flowers this year to improve the
long term health and vigor of the plant?

Betsy Hilborn
7a NC