Jujube Care Guide

Jujube Care Guide

The jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is an ancient fruit tree native to China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that produces small, sweet fruits that are highly valued in many cultures for their medicinal properties and culinary uses. Known for its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates, the jujube is a great choice for gardeners in arid regions. Here is a comprehensive care guide to growing jujube trees successfully.

 

1. Origin and Adaptation

• Native Region: The jujube originated in China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It has spread to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, southern Europe, northern Africa, and the southwestern United States. In the U.S., jujube trees were introduced in 1837, but it wasn't until 1908 that improved Chinese cultivars were brought in by the USDA.

• Temperature Tolerance: Jujubes are highly adaptable to temperature extremes. They can tolerate hot summers with temperatures exceeding 100°F and cold winters as low as 10°F, thanks to their winter dormancy. However, they only require a small amount of winter chill hours to set fruit.

• Climate: Jujubes thrive in sunny, hot climates with long summers. They can fruit in places like Washington State, Pennsylvania, and even Florida.

 

2. Growth Habit

• Tree Size: Jujube trees can grow to be 8-40 feet tall depending on the variety and growing conditions. The tree is naturally upright and ornamental, often with branches that zigzag. 

• Some varieties, like the ‘Contorted or So’ jujube, have a more dwarfing habit.

• ‘Li’ is 12’-15’ and has a more rounded semi-dwarf shape.

• ‘Sugarcane’ is more tree-like and reaches about 20’ in height. 

• Rooting: Jujube trees can send up root suckers, sometimes many feet away from the main tree. These suckers should be controlled to prevent unwanted spread, especially since they are a thorny rootstock.

• Wood: Jujube wood is hard and strong, making it resistant to breakage and wind damage. The tree is relatively low-maintenance in terms of structure once established.

 

3. Foliage and Flowers

• Leaves: Jujube leaves are small, ovate, and shiny green, measuring about 1-2 inches long. In autumn, the leaves turn bright yellow before falling.

• Flowers: The flowers are small, about 1/5 inch in diameter, and vary in color from white to greenish-yellow. They are fragrant and produced in large clusters. The flowers appear from late spring to summer, but each individual flower is receptive to pollination for only one day or less.

• Pollination: Most jujube cultivars are self-pollinating, though some varieties may benefit from cross-pollination. 

 

4. Fruit

• Fruit Characteristics: Jujube fruit is a drupe, which varies in shape from round to elongate. The fruit size ranges from cherry-sized to plum-sized, depending on the cultivar. Initially green when unripe, the fruit turns yellow-green with mahogany-colored spots as it ripens. Fully mature fruit turns brown before it begins to soften and wrinkle.

• Ripening: Jujube fruit can be eaten when it is crisp and sweet in the yellow-green or brown stage, but it will become wrinkled and spongy under dry conditions. Most people prefer the fruit in the crisp, non-wrinkled stage.

 

5. Location

• Sunlight: Jujubes thrive in full sun. Ensure that the tree receives ample sunlight throughout the day, as this is crucial for fruit production.

• Planting Location: Avoid planting jujubes under the shade of other trees, as they require high light intensity to produce fruit. Jujubes are grafted trees, and it's important to prune any rootstock growth below the graft union to prevent unwanted growth.

 

6. Soil

• Soil Preference: Jujube trees are highly tolerant of various soils but prefer well-drained, sandy soils. They can grow in soils with high salinity or alkalinity, but they do not do well in heavy, poorly drained soils.

• Soil pH: Jujubes can grow in slightly alkaline to neutral soils. If your soil is acidic, you may need to amend it with lime to increase pH.

 

7. Watering and Irrigation

• Drought Tolerance: Jujube trees are extremely drought-tolerant once established. However, they will benefit from regular watering during dry spells, especially if you want a high-quality fruit crop. In extreme drought conditions, they may drop their fruit. 

 

8. Fertilization

• Fertilizer Requirements: Jujube trees are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fertilization. They can grow well with little or no fertilization. However, light applications of a balanced fertilizer (like 5-10-10 NPK) every 2 months during the growing season can promote faster growth.

• New Trees: For newly planted trees, it’s best to wait until they are well established before applying fertilizer.

 

9. Pruning

• Pruning Needs: Jujube trees are low-maintenance in terms of pruning. While unpruned trees can still produce fruit, pruning can help maintain the tree’s health, improve air circulation, and make fruit easier to harvest. It is best to prune in winter to remove dead or damaged wood. For varieties with upright growth habits, keeping a more open center form and encouraging side branching will make harvesting fruit easier. 

• Root Suckers: Jujubes tend to send up suckers from the roots, so it is important to keep them under control through mowing or hoeing to prevent unwanted growth.

 

10. Pests and Diseases

• Pest Resistance: Jujube trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases. There are no significant insect pests or diseases in the U.S., making jujubes a low-maintenance fruit tree.

 

11. Harvesting Jujubes

• Ripening Period: Jujube fruit ripens over a period of several weeks, with fruits on the same tree ripening at different times.

• Harvesting Time: You can harvest the fruit once it has turned a vibrant reddish-brown. It is best to pick the fruit before it starts to soften and wrinkle. If left on the tree too long, the fruit may dry and shrivel naturally, but this can be controlled based on personal preference.

• Storage: Fresh jujubes can be stored at room temperature for about a week. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or candied. Dried jujubes can be stored indefinitely and have excellent market potential. Fresh frozen jujube retain their shape when thawed and are a great addition to fruit salads.

 

Conclusion

The jujube tree is a resilient, low-maintenance fruit tree that thrives in hot, sunny climates. It produces delicious, nutritious fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in a variety of culinary applications. With its drought tolerance and resistance to pests, the jujube is an excellent choice for gardens in arid regions or those seeking a unique, hardy fruit tree. By providing a sunny location, well-drained soil, and minimal care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of jujubes each season.