How to Grow the Jujube (Judje) Tree

If you have ever searched for the “judje” tree, you have found the right place. This common misspelling refers to the Jujube tree, an ancient fruit-bearing plant also known as the Chinese date or red date. Its cultivation history stretches back more than 4,000 years in China. The tree is valued not only for its unique fruit but also for its ornamental qualities and resilient nature, making it a fascinating option for gardeners.

Jujube Tree and Fruit Characteristics

The Jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing to a height of 15 to 30 feet. One of its most notable features is the gnarled, zig-zag pattern of its branches, which often have a drooping or weeping appearance. The bark is often rough and shaggy, with a mottled gray and black color.

Many varieties are armed with sharp thorns at the base of each leaf, though thornless cultivars have been developed. Its leaves are small, about one to two inches long, with a glossy green surface and a paler underside. They are arranged alternately along the stems and have finely serrated edges.

In the spring, the tree produces small, inconspicuous clusters of fragrant yellow or white flowers. The fruit is a drupe, a fleshy fruit with a single hard stone in the center. It begins as a small, green, and round or oblong drupe, resembling a small apple in appearance and texture.

Popular Jujube Cultivars

The ‘Li’ cultivar is one of the most widely planted varieties, favored for its large, round fruit that can be nearly two inches in diameter. ‘Li’ is an excellent choice for fresh eating, with a sweet, apple-like flavor and crisp texture. The tree has an upright growth habit and is a reliable producer, with fruit ripening early.

Another common cultivar is ‘Lang’, distinguished by its large, pear-shaped fruit. ‘Lang’ jujubes are primarily used for drying, as their flavor and texture improve significantly when dehydrated. The ‘Lang’ tree has a more spreading, weeping form and is a vigorous grower.

For those who prioritize sweetness, the ‘Sugar Cane’ and ‘Honey Jar’ cultivars are excellent options. ‘Sugar Cane’ produces medium-sized, elongated fruit that is exceptionally sweet and juicy. The ‘Honey Jar’ cultivar is known for its smaller, round fruit with a very high sugar content and a delightful crunch. The ‘Honey Jar’ tree is smaller, making it suitable for compact gardens.

The ‘Shanxi Li’ cultivar is known for producing some of the largest fruit among jujube varieties. The fruit is round to slightly conical and has a rich, sweet flavor good for both fresh eating and drying. The ‘Shanxi Li’ tree is a vigorous grower with a productive yield.

How to Grow a Jujube Tree

Jujube trees are well-suited for USDA zones 6 through 11. A primary requirement for successful growth and fruit production is a location that receives full sun. While the trees can tolerate some partial shade, ample sunlight is necessary for a healthy fruit yield.

They are remarkably tolerant of various soil types, including poor or alkaline soils, but they perform best in well-drained, sandy soils. Heavy, poorly drained clay soils should be avoided. A spacing of at least 15 to 20 feet between trees is recommended for adequate air circulation.

Most jujube cultivars are self-fertile, but planting a second cultivar nearby for cross-pollination can result in a larger and more consistent fruit set. For a bare-root tree, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root system without bending the roots. For a container-grown tree, dig a hole about twice the width of the container.

In both cases, ensure the graft union—the swollen area near the base of the trunk—remains above the soil line. Backfill the hole with native soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. After planting, water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and provide regular deep watering for the first few weeks.

Ongoing Jujube Tree Care

Once established, jujube trees are known for their low-maintenance nature and excellent drought tolerance. Mature trees require infrequent watering, though providing supplemental water during prolonged dry spells can lead to a higher quality fruit crop. Their nutrient requirements are also low, and they can thrive with little to no fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can be beneficial in poor soil.

Pruning is best performed during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. The primary goals are to shape the tree for better light penetration, encourage new fruit-bearing wood, and remove any dead or crossing branches. Since jujubes produce fruit on the current year’s growth, regular pruning helps maintain productivity.

It is also important to remove any suckers that emerge from the rootstock below the graft union. This growth originates from the rootstock, will not produce the desired fruit, and should be pruned away as soon as it appears. This prevents it from diverting energy from the main tree.

Jujube trees are relatively free of pests and diseases. Occasionally, they may be susceptible to issues like spider mites or scale insects, which can be managed with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Keeping the area around the base of the tree clean of fallen fruit and leaves can help prevent potential problems.

Harvesting and Using Jujubes

Harvesting jujubes is a flexible process, as the fruit can be enjoyed at different stages. For a crisp texture similar to an apple, harvest the fruit when it has reached the yellow-green stage with some reddish-brown spots. At this point, the flavor is sweet and mild.

If you prefer a sweeter, richer flavor and a chewier texture, leave the fruit on the tree until it has fully turned a deep reddish-brown and has started to wrinkle. The fruit ripens over several weeks, so you can harvest from the same tree multiple times. To harvest, you can pick the fruits by hand or place a tarp under the tree and shake the branches.

One of the most popular ways to use jujubes is to dry them. Dried jujubes, also known as red dates, have a sweet, date-like flavor and can be stored for an extended period. You can dry them naturally in the sun, in a well-ventilated indoor space, or by using a food dehydrator set to a low temperature.

Beyond eating them fresh or dried, jujubes are a versatile ingredient. Dried jujubes can be used to make a sweet tea or simmered into syrups for desserts and beverages. They can also be incorporated into baked goods or added to savory dishes such as stews and soups, where they provide a subtle sweetness.

Jujube Health Benefits and Nutrition

Jujube fruits are not only flavorful but also packed with nutritional value. They are renowned for their exceptionally high concentration of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. The raw fruits are a significant source of this vitamin and a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.

In addition to Vitamin C and fiber, jujubes contain a variety of minerals, including potassium and iron. Potassium is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, while iron is a key component of red blood cells. The fruits also contain a range of antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect the body from damage by free radicals.

In traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, jujubes have been used for centuries for various purposes. They are often utilized to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality and have also been traditionally used to help reduce anxiety. While these uses are well-established in traditional contexts, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice.

The combination of a strong nutritional profile and a history of use in traditional wellness makes the jujube a fascinating fruit. Whether eaten fresh for its crisp texture or dried and used in teas for their soothing properties, the jujube offers a unique blend of flavor and potential health benefits.