Ziziphus jujube
Jujubes (Zizyphus jujuba) are a small, droopy-branched, somewhat spiny, deciduous fruit tree, often called Chinese dates. It is in flower from April to May, and the fruit ripens in October. They have crisp flesh and sweet apple-like flavor or try dried and candied in baked goods and preserves.
Planting & Care
SunLight:Â Zizyphus jujuba needs full sun; they do best with at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Soil:Â Preferred soil pH is 5 to 6.4, but the Chinese red date can handle alkaline soils as well. The tree tolerates a range of soils but does best in sandy well-drained soils and least well in heavy poorly draining soils.
Watering:Â once the trees are established, they can be very drought tolerant, but for good yields, trees should be watered.
Fertilizer:Â The trees do not appear to require much fertilizer to do well, though a light broadcast of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season will increase growth.
Temperature: It can tolerate temperatures down to about -30°C during winter dormancy and high temperatures in the summertime.
Pruning:Â Trees will put out sprouts (suckers) from the roots that should be removed at or below the soil level. Best to do the main pruning during the dormant season, suckers can be removed at any time.
