| Jujube | |
| Ziziphus jujuba | |
| a.k.a. Chinese Date |
Small, 1" fruit with orange-brown skin. Ripe fruits are said to taste like a green apple, while over-ripe fruits taste like a date. Shares similarities with the Indian Jujube.
Description: Small or medium sized subtropical tree, can grow up to 40ft. Trees are deciduous and will defoliate during cold months. Flowers bloom in summer, followed by fall ripening fruit. The hard "nut" inside the fruit contains two seeds. Trees fruit without cross-pollination, but seeds are then usually not viable.
Hardiness: They can stand extremely hot desert temperatures, as well as cold temperatures to -25F. In the United States, Jujube's have fruited as far north as Seattle and New York.
Growing Environment: Jujube's are fairly adaptable, but should be grown in full sun. Trees do require a bit of winter chill to set fruit, making their culture in year-round warm tropical climates tricky. They are very tolerant of drought, but moderate to heavy watering should be provided during growth season to ensure the best fruit. Fertilizing is generally not necessary.
Propagation: By seed, but commonly by grafting and budding.
Uses: Eaten fresh, also candied, and used in desserts. The fruit also has a long history of medicinal uses.
Native Range: Native to China, where it has been cultivated for over 4000 years. Not grown commercially in parts of the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.