Jujube
Ziziphus jujuba
Also listed as Girtanneria jujuba, Rhamnus zizyphus
Also known as Chinese Date, Chinese Jujube, Common Jujube
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy, drought-tolerant deciduous tree bearing small sweet-tart fruits resembling dates, prized in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Extremely cold-hardy and low-maintenance once established, making it valuable for permaculture and edible landscapes.
Why grow it
Jujube outperforms most other date-like fruits in cold hardiness, thriving where fig or pomegranate struggle. Unlike apples or pears, it requires minimal pest management and no regular spraying once established, making it practical for low-input systems. The small, sweet-tart fruits store well dried and have a long harvest window, extending the productive season compared to most temperate fruit trees.
Watch out for
Trees can take 3-5 years to produce meaningfully, requiring patience before yielding returns. Fruit thinning and pruning may be needed to balance vigor with consistent bearing, as neglected trees can become dense and overgrown. In areas with high humidity, fungal leaf spot can develop, though this rarely threatens tree survival.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
Native Range
China and South Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A hardy, drought-tolerant deciduous tree bearing small sweet-tart fruits resembling dates, prized in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. Extremely cold-hardy and low-maintenance once established, making it valuable for permaculture and edible landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Jujube grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Jujube outperforms most other date-like fruits in cold hardiness, thriving where fig or pomegranate struggle. Unlike apples or pears, it requires minimal pest management and no regular spraying once established, making it practical for low-input systems. The small, sweet-tart fruits store well dried and have a long harvest window, extending the productive season compared to most temperate fruit trees.
Watch out for
Trees can take 3-5 years to produce meaningfully, requiring patience before yielding returns. Fruit thinning and pruning may be needed to balance vigor with consistent bearing, as neglected trees can become dense and overgrown. In areas with high humidity, fungal leaf spot can develop, though this rarely threatens tree survival.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
Native Range
China and South Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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