The Red Chinese Date Tree (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as the Jujube Tree, is a highly prized fruit-bearing tree native to Asia and now loved by gardeners worldwide. It produces shiny red-brown fruits that are sweet, chewy, and rich in vitamin C and antioxidants — often compared to dates in flavor and texture when dried.

This drought-tolerant and cold-hardy tree is perfect for both tropical and temperate climates, thriving in USDA Zones 6–10. With its attractive glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and abundant harvest, it’s an excellent choice for home gardens, orchards, or edible landscapes.

The jujube tree is low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and long-lived, making it a rewarding and beautiful addition to your fruit collection.

Features

• 🌳 Sweet Edible Fruits: Juicy when fresh, chewy and date-like when dried.
• 🌞 Drought-Tolerant Tree: Thrives in hot, dry climates.
• 🍂 Cold Hardy: Survives in temperate zones with mild frost.
• 🌸 Fragrant Blooms: Small yellow-green flowers attract pollinators.
• 🪴 Low Maintenance: Minimal pruning and care required.
• 🌎 Non-GMO Seeds: Naturally grown and untreated for pure cultivation.

Specifications

• Common Name: Chinese Date / Jujube Tree
• Scientific Name: Ziziphus jujuba
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• USDA Zones: 6 – 10
• Mature Height: 15 – 30 ft (4.5 – 9 m)
• Spread: 10 – 20 ft (3 – 6 m)
• Fruit Color: Red to brown
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil
• Watering: Low once established
• Foliage: Glossy green turning yellow in fall
• GMO Status: 100% Non-GMO
• Harvest Time: Late summer to early fall

Planting Guide

• Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 24–48 hours. Scarify gently for better germination.
• Sowing Depth: ½ inch deep in sandy, well-draining soil.
• Temperature: Maintain 75–85°F for best germination.
• Light: Full sun exposure.
• Transplanting: Move seedlings outdoors after frost risk is gone.
• Spacing: 15–20 ft apart for optimal fruiting.
• Pollination: Self-fertile, but multiple trees improve yield.

Care Tips

• Water moderately until established, then reduce frequency.
• Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and airflow.
• Avoid overwatering or heavy clay soils.
• Fertilize once per year with a balanced organic fertilizer.