Plant Kaki Chocolate Scion bare-root conventional

Technical sheet of the Kaki Chocolat variety

• Fruit flesh color: Chocolatey when ripe
• Skin color: Orange-yellow
• Size and shape: Medium size, round or elongated, almost triangular
• Tree size: Compact (3-4m) or tree-like (6-7m)
• Fruit maturity: End of October or after the first frosts
• Fruit Taste: Sweet flesh, raw date texture, spicy aromas of cinnamon and bourbon vanilla
• Earliness of the variety: Relatively early, maturity in October
• Fruiting period: October, but can be harvested after the first frosts
• Disease resistance and storage: Low susceptibility to disease, cold hardy (down to -17°C). Storage for 2 to 3 months in a cool room or drying possible
• Variety yield: Very productive, more than 100 kg of fruit per adult tree
• Is this variety self-fertile? Yes
• Commercial use: Direct consumption, drying, jams, compotes
• Is this a COV variety? Yes, a variety introduced into a specialized plant collection in France.
• Comments: Excellent pollinator for other varieties. Prefers sun or partial shade and all soil types.

Quick read / the essentials on the 'Chocolate' Persimmon

The 'Chocolate' Persimmon is an Italian persimmon variety known for its dark, sweet flesh , which matures to a chocolatey hue. Its unique taste, with notes of cinnamon and bourbon vanilla , sets it apart from other persimmon varieties and appeals to a market seeking premium, unique fruit . This versatile persimmon can be eaten both crunchy and soft , offering growers a broader market opportunity .

This hardy and productive Persimmon tree adapts perfectly to French climatic conditions. It tolerates temperatures down to -15°C , provided it is grown in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil . It begins to produce from the third year after planting , with a yield that can exceed 100 kg of fruit per adult tree .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of persimmon plants , Arboriverse offers you plants rigorously selected to guarantee optimal growth and high productivity . Thanks to its dual consumption possibilities , the 'Chocolate' Kaki is an excellent choice for producers wishing to stand out in the persimmon market.

Are you looking to introduce an original and high-performance variety into your orchard? Buying Chocolate Persimmon plants from Arboriverse means opting for profitable production adapted to market expectations . Trust a specialist wholesale supplier of persimmon plants to secure your supply of robust and productive plants .

If you want to diversify your production with a high added value persimmon, buying Chocolate Persimmon plants is a strategic choice to meet the demand of consumers looking for exceptional fruits .

Introducing the 'Chocolate' Persimmon for Apple Growers and Producers in France

The 'Chocolat' persimmon is an Italian variety prized for its dark, sweet flesh, which develops a chocolatey hue when ripe. Its unique taste, with aromas of cinnamon and bourbon vanilla, as well as its ability to be eaten both crunchy and soft, make it a particularly sought-after fruit. Its excellent productivity, hardiness, and self-fertility make it an attractive option for French producers looking to diversify their orchards with a high-quality, original variety.

Origin and Breeder

Originally from Italy, the 'Chocolate' persimmon was introduced into France through specialist collections and planted in the first persimmon conservation orchard in Europe, accredited by the CCVS (Conservatory of Specialized Plant Collections). Its exact breeder is not clearly identified, but it may have originated from the breeding work of Italian specialists, notably Professor Bellini.

Growing Conditions and Climate Adaptation

The 'Chocolate' Persimmon is a hardy tree, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -15°C if the soil is well-drained. It is well adapted to temperate climates , but does not like overly calcareous and compact soils. It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soil with a slight to neutral acidity.

A sunny, sheltered location is recommended to maximize production and improve the taste of the fruit. Irrigation is necessary in the first few years to ensure good root development, but once well established, the tree becomes relatively drought-resistant .

Rootstock and Planting

'Chocolat' is usually grafted onto Diospyros lotus or Diospyros virginiana , depending on the soil type and production objectives. These rootstocks provide a strong root system and better adaptation to French soils.

Planting should be done between November and April , outside of periods of frost, with a recommended spacing of 5 to 6 meters between trees. Mulching is recommended to maintain humidity and limit competition with weeds.

Flowering, Pollination and Fruiting

The 'Chocolat' persimmon is self-fertile , meaning it can produce fruit without the need for other pollinating varieties. However, it also acts as a good pollinator for other varieties such as 'Tipo', 'Hana', 'Fuyu', and 'Rojo Brillante'.

Flowering occurs in spring , with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The tree generally begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting, and harvesting takes place from the end of October , or even after the first frosts for fruit intended to be eaten overripe.

Description of Fruits and Yield

The fruits of the 'Chocolate' persimmon are medium-sized , measuring about 6 to 9 cm in diameter . Their shape is slightly elongated , sometimes triangular, and their skin turns from orange-yellow to dark brown when ripe.

The particularity of 'Chocolat' lies in the evolution of its flesh: firm and crunchy when young, it becomes melting and takes on a chocolate color as it ripens . The fruits are sweet with notes of cinnamon and vanilla , which gives them a very popular flavor.

The tree is very productive , being able to produce more than 100 kg of fruit per year once mature.

Harvesting and Conservation

The fruits can be harvested using two approaches:

• Crunchy, in October , for immediate consumption like an apple.
• Overripe, after the first frosts , for a sweeter and more tender flesh.

They keep well at room temperature and can be stored in a cool room (1 to 5°C) for 2 to 3 months . They can also be dried , using the traditional Japanese Hoshigaki method, to extend their shelf life while intensifying their sweetness.

Maintenance and Size

Caring for the 'Chocolate' Persimmon is relatively simple. Pruning in late winter removes dead wood and aerates the tree's crown to improve fruiting. The tree tolerates pruning well, allowing its shape to be adapted to production needs.

An annual addition of compost promotes balanced growth and good fruit development.

Resistance to Diseases and Pests

The 'Chocolate' persimmon is not very susceptible to diseases , which makes it suitable for cultivation with few phytosanitary interventions. However, it can be subject to certain attacks by aphids, scale insects and Mediterranean fruit flies .

Regular monitoring is recommended, especially during the fruiting period. Natural preventative treatments, such as black soap or horsetail manure , can be used to limit infestations.

Use and Commercial Valorization

The 'Chocolate' Persimmon is a versatile fruit, suitable for several consumption methods. It can be enjoyed fresh, in crunchy slices , or ripe, for a melting and sweet texture .

It is also used for food processing , particularly in:

• Jams and compotes , thanks to its richness in natural sugar.
• Pastries and desserts , to add a sweet and spicy touch.
• Dried fruit , a preservation technique that gives it an intense taste and a soft texture.

Its ease of transport and good conservation make it an interesting product for fresh and processed distribution channels .

Prospects for Production in France

The 'Chocolate' persimmon represents an economic opportunity for French producers seeking to cultivate a high-value variety. Its dual consumption (crunchy or melting) expands its potential market and meets the expectations of consumers looking for new tastes.

Its excellent productivity , its hardiness and its low need for phytosanitary treatments make it a viable alternative to more classic varieties.

With the rise of fruits rich in antioxidants and foods with natural spicy notes , the 'Chocolate' Persimmon could find a privileged place on the French and European markets.

Conclusion

The 'Chocolat' Kaki is an original and productive variety, ideal for producers wishing to diversify their fruit offering. Its hardiness , resistance to disease , adaptability to French climates and strong taste potential make it a strategic choice for the fruit industry.

Its varied consumption patterns , good storage properties and growing demand in the premium fruit market reinforce its commercial appeal. It is a reliable and profitable alternative to other persimmon varieties and can easily be integrated into a diversified orchard intended for fresh sale or processing.

To summarize: Persimmon 'Chocolate'

The 'Chocolate' Persimmon is a highly productive, hardy and tastefully unique variety. Thanks to its ability to be eaten both crunchy and melting , it appeals to a wide range of consumers and constitutes an original alternative to more classic varieties .

Its abundant production, excellent conservation and resistance to diseases make it a reliable and profitable variety for French producers. It is self-fertile , not requiring other pollinators to fruit, but can also improve the pollination of other varieties such as 'Tipo', 'Fuyu' or 'Rojo Brillante' .

The 'Chocolate' Persimmon is a high-quality fruit , sought after for its high natural sugar content and intense aromas . It is suitable for both fresh marketing and food processing , particularly for the production of compotes, jams, pastries and dried fruits .

Thanks to its high resistance to diseases and pests , this variety requires few phytosanitary treatments , making it an ideal choice for organic production . Its maintenance is simple, with light annual pruning and good soil drainage to maximize yield.

As a specialist wholesale supplier of persimmon plants , Arboriverse offers 'Chocolate' Kaki plants that have been rigorously selected to ensure vigorous growth and abundant fruiting .

Looking to enter the premium persimmon market? Buying Chocolate Persimmon plants from Arboriverse is a strategic decision to integrate a unique and high-demand variety into your orchard.

For producers looking for a high-end persimmon, easy to grow and with strong commercial potential , buying Chocolate Persimmon plants is an excellent opportunity to diversify their production and meet new market expectations .

With the 'Chocolate' Persimmon , give your farm an exceptional fruit, appreciated for its unique flavor and versatility . Trust Arboriverse , your persimmon plant expert , to help you grow successfully and maximize your yields!