Does it need a pollinator?

Most varieties are self-fertile, but planting two different cultivars often increases fruit set.

How long until it fruits?

Grafted trees typically begin producing fruit within 1 to 2 years.

Plant guide

Jujube.

Ziziphus jujuba

Pronounced ZIZ-ih-fus JOO-joo-bah

Also known as Chinese jujube, Chinese-date, Common jujube, Jujube red date, jujube

The jujube is a hardy, deciduous tree that produces sweet, date like fruits. It is incredibly resilient and thrives in hot, dry climates where other fruit trees might struggle. You will love how easy it is to grow this unique plant in your own backyard.

Another photo of Jujube — Photo by Analía Belaus (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous fruit tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant your tree in a spot that gets plenty of sun to ensure the best fruit production. Keep an eye out for pests like scale or mites, though this tree is generally quite tough. Prune it during the dormant season to maintain a nice shape and encourage better airflow.

Watering: Water deeply once the soil dries out, as established trees are quite drought tolerant.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once in early spring to support healthy growth.
Pruning: Trim back branches in late winter while the tree is dormant to manage its size.
Repotting: If grown in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to accommodate root growth.
Soil: Well draining, sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -20 to 45°C
Humidity: 20 to 60%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many decades.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the soil without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
Children: The sharp thorns on the branches pose a physical injury risk to small children.
Contact allergens: The branches often feature sharp stipular spines that can cause skin scratches.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: Always ensure you are identifying the correct species before consuming any fruit.

How to identify it

Glossy, dark green oval leaves
Small, inconspicuous yellow green flowers
Spiny, zigzagging branches
Edible reddish brown drupe fruit

Height: 3 to 9m
Spread: 3 to 6m
Leaves: glossy green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow-green, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: green, red, dark brown, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

Jujube Fruit FlyCommon
Witches BroomCommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your jujube from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, grafting
When to plant: Spring, Autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, ensure the tree is well-mulched to protect the roots from deep freezes. If grown in a pot, move it to a sheltered, frost-free location during the coldest months.
In containers: It can be grown in large containers, though fruit production is usually lower than in the ground.

Grafting

1. Select a healthy rootstock.
2. Use a scion from a known productive variety.
3. Perform a whip or cleft graft in spring.
4. Secure the union with grafting tape.
5. Monitor for successful bud break.

Pair with other drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs to create a low-maintenance, water-wise garden section.

Grows well with

Lavender · It enjoys similar dry, sunny conditions and attracts beneficial pollinators.
Rosemary · This herb thrives in the same low-moisture environment as the jujube.

Similar species

Christ's Thorn · A related species often found in arid regions with similar growth habits.

Science

Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Ziziphus
Order: Rosales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Southern Asia and China.
Conservation: This species is widely cultivated and not considered threatened in the wild.

It thrives in hot, dry climates and is exceptionally resilient to drought and poor soil conditions.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, fruit provides food for birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: edible fruit, ornamental tree, traditional medicine, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 4/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a pollinator?: Most varieties are self-fertile, but planting two different cultivars often increases fruit set.
How long until it fruits?: Grafted trees typically begin producing fruit within 1 to 2 years.

Where the name comes from

The name Ziziphus comes from the Greek word ziziphon, which was used for a similar plant, while jujuba is a Latinized version of the same term.

Good to know

Jujube wood is very hard and is sometimes used to make musical instruments.
The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or candied.
It is highly tolerant of poor, alkaline soils.
Some varieties are nearly thornless.
It has been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years.

Also in

Drought-tolerant plants

Keep your jujube growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.