North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Jerry Lehman <jwlehmantree@gmail.com>]

On 9/24/2016 3:54 PM, Elizabeth Hilborn wrote:
> I have some seedlings started from seeds saved from D. kaki fruits. I 
> have learned on this list that growing these trees up to maturity is 
> sometimes problematic.
> Does anyone have suggestions or advice to improve my chances of success?
>
> I was planning to overwinter in pots this year and to set out in 
> permanent sites next spring with the intention of providing vigilant 
> care.
>
> Thanks,
> Betsy Hilborn
> Zone 7a, NC 
Hello Betsy,

You're in zone 7a which improves your chances but still not guaranteed. 
My zone 7 chart says 0 Fahrenheit average minimum low temperature. 
That's average which means occasionally it can get lower than that and 
based on my experience kaki winter damage begins at 0 and -10 normally 
spells death. Can you put it on the south side of your home, like only a 
few feet from your home. I have kept kaki several years 2 feet from the 
south side of my house and they fruited but when it got the -15 there 
wasn't enough protection.

Jerry