🔴 Jujube Tree: Growing Guide
Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −15 to 42 °C (5–108 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.5. Space plants about 500 cm (197 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Ziziphus jujuba |
|---|---|
| Category | Fruit Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 500 cm (197 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −15 to 42 °C (5–108 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 300–1000 cm (118–394 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Sep.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Dec–Jan · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Growing tips
The "Chinese red date". Dried as a snack. Rich in antioxidants. Drought tolerant.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Jujube Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Sep. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Dec–Jan · Harvest: May–Aug.
Jujube Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Jujube Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 500 cm (197 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Jujube Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Jujube Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Olive.
Plan your garden
Add Jujube Tree to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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