It may even be grown as an espalier. Diseases, Pests, and Problems Oriental persimmons have very few pests and diseases. They may develop various leaf spots, but these rarely reach levels where spraying is needed. Fruit drop is a common problem with Oriental persimmons. For parthenocarpic fruit to remain on the tree and mature, all growing conditions must be at optimum levels.
Fruit developing from pollination and with seed are less subject to drop.
Harvesting The time to harvest Oriental persimmons is normally signaled by the first frost. Picking a little early prevents loosing fruit to birds and other wildlife. Harvest astringent varieties while they are still hard but after the color has fully developed. They ripen after picking if stored at room temperature and are ready to eat when they soften to the texture of pudding. Nonastringent varieties are ready to harvest when they have reached full color.