Jujube Tree (Chinese Red Date)

The Jujube Tree is known for producing reddish-brown round fruits, known as Chinese Red Dates, that have a sweet flavor and a chewy texture when dried. Jujube Trees typically grow 15 to 35 feet tall, with a rounded crown, and small oval-shaped leaves. Expect delicate yellow flowers in the spring, followed by its sweet and nutritious fruit in the fall!  The special fruit has been cultivated for over 4,000 years in China and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to provide a plethora of health benefits. Jujubes have 20 times more vitamin C than many citrus fruits and contain 18 amino acids. The fruit and the leaves together can promote sleep, digestion, womanly wellness, and relieve burns. In addition to its medicinal uses, the jujube tree holds cultural significance in many Asian countries. In China, it is a symbol of fertility and abundance, and the fruit is often included in wedding ceremonies and festivals to represent good luck and prosperity!

Also Known As: Ziziphus, Zizyphus, Red Date, Chinese Date, 红枣 红枣 紅棗, Korean Date, Daechu 대추, Tsao, Ber, Nabq, Dum, Tsal, Sadr, Sidr, Anab, Annab.

Plant Name:	Tree, Jujube
Latin Name:	Ziziphus jujuba
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	2 - 3 Years
Plant Height:	20 - 25 Feet
Spread:	10 - 15 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	5-11
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 1 month, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 10-15 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	10-15 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	15 feet

Care During the Season:

Jujube can produce delicious, nutritious fruit for many years with care. In spring, as new growth begins, you may optionally provide a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong development, particularly in young trees or those planted in nutrient-poor soil. Jujube trees are drought-tolerant once established, but they still need regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts to encourage better airflow and improve fruit production. During summer, the tree will flower and begin to set fruit. In autumn, as the fruit ripens, reduce watering, but keep the soil slightly moist to support healthy fruit development. Harvest the fruit when it has reached full maturity, usually in late summer or early fall, and be mindful of the tree’s hardwood-like bark, which should not be damaged during harvest. In winter, while jujube trees are generally cold-hardy, young trees may need some protection from frost in areas with severe winter temperatures.

Harvesting:

Jujube Tree fruit is usually harvested in late summer to early autumn. Harvest fruit when fully ripened but before they fall, when it changes color from green to a reddish-brown. The fruit should be firm and slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. To harvest, gently twist or cut the fruit from the tree with pruning shears, ensuring you leave the stem attached to the fruit. Jujubes can be eaten fresh when ripe, but they can also be dried for longer storage. If harvesting for drying, you can leave the fruit on the tree slightly longer to ensure it has reached full maturity and is at its sweetest. After harvesting, the fruit can be eaten immediately or dried in the sun or a dehydrator. Fruits may drop from the tree when overripe, so timely harvesting is essential to get the best quality fruit.