How to Grow a Jujube Tree

A very easy tree to grow, the Jujube is not colorful in flower, but it is an attractive tree that produces an unusually tasty small fruit that tastes something like a cross between an apple and a date. Originally from China, this tree accepts a wide range of temperatures and offers something a little unusual for the landscape or orchard.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Jujubes seem to like all the heat you can give them in the summer. Plant them in full sun. They will enjoy temperatures even if they soar over 110 degrees! Yet they are very tolerant of winter cold as well, withstanding sub zero temperatures when dormant. They are quite easy to grow in many parts of the country.

2. Tolerant of most soils, the jujube shows a slight preference for the more sandy types. It does need good drainage, though. Give it regular water or use it where you want a somewhat drought-resistant fruit tree.

3. This tree grows 20' - 40', depending on the environment, and is variable in shape. Many varieties are very thorny though there are thorn-less varieties available.

4. 

   Flowers are insignificant but the tree produces wonderful fruit the size and shape of a hazelnut. They are crunchy like apples but have a flavor more like dates. The fruits develop green, then turn a yellowish green, then a dark red-brown, and finally wrinkle. They are edible at all stages but most people seem to prefer the flavor between the yellow-green and red stages. Jujube trees are self-fertile and need no special efforts to pollinate them. If the fruit is picked when too green, it will not ripen.

5. 

   One nice thing about the jujube fruit is that it does not ripen all at once. So you can keep picking it over a long season. It does not store well, though.

6. Plant a young jujube like most trees. Make the hole wider than it is deep. Never plant a tree below the soil line visible on the trunk marking the previous soil level. You are safer to plant it a little too high rather than too low if you aren't sure. Water the hole so the water penetrates deeply. Set your tree in the hole and back fill. Water it in thoroughly again.

7. If you want an attractive, easy-to-care-for tree that will offer delicious and unusual fruit, try the jujube.

Resources

• Gates & Croft Horticultural Design Info & Ideas

[Violets]

on 11/26/2008 I'd heard about jujube candy, but not jujube fruit!

[Danniboi33]

on 11/22/2008 I do not think that I have ever heard of one of these.