12/12/2021
These Jujubes are not a fashion statement nor a gummy candy, but a sweet, juicy, healthy fruit that is very easy to grow. It sounds like a good thing, right? Why is this not more widely known? Jujubes are widely grown in China as a main staple fruit. Thailand and India have varieties of them and in many European countries this fruit is fast gaining popularity. Jujubes were introduced into the United States in the early 1900’s and varieties have been produced here but they are still unknown to most Americans. That is changing. Maybe because Americans are trying to become more health conscious or maybe it’s because world cultures are becoming more widely integrated that more and more people are becoming aware of this delicious fruit. If you are not aware of jujubes this is your introduction.
Trees that grow this amazing fruit have few needs. They can grow in almost any soil and can get by with less water than other fruit trees. Unlike apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, cherries (you get the picture) they don’t require bug sprays, fungus preventative sprays, antibacterial sprays, or require lots of fertilizer, which means that they are perfect candidates for organic growing. In addition the above pictured tree is bearing juju fruit on the same year it was planted in my orchard making them very precocious in producing fruit.
Is there a down side? That depends on opinion. Firstly, they do require sun and they love lots of it. If you have a shady yard you will need to find at least 6 hours of full sun in order to expect fruit from your tree. The good news is if you live in a desert these trees will thrive. Secondly, most trees do have thorns to some extent–some varieties have less than others but some have small swords! As a general rule the thorns are spaced out a lot thinner than roses or berries and are easier dealt with than the ones on those plants. The trees usually sport less thorns as they mature but their presence is a consideration. The third “con” to ownership is often thought of as as “pro” to those of us that grow jujubes. Some cultivars require a second variety to be in close proximity to pollinate the flowers that produce fruit. Such a good excuse for some of us to own several trees. Don’t despair, however, if you don’t have space or if you are still hard to convince that you will love them, there are some varieties that do not require a second tree and produce excellent fruit.
