What it is
Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is in the Rhamnaceae family. An ironclad drought- and heat-proof fruit tree for Texas — crisp apple-like fruits dried into 'red dates'.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it very low — drought-tough, and give it tolerant, even alkaline soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 15 ft apart. Expect roughly 2–3 yr to bear. Very hardy tree.
How it's used
Jujube is used: fresh (crisp) or dried.
🔎 How to identify it
- Glossy oval leaves, three veins
- Zigzag often-thorny branches
- Shiny brown date-like fruit
Edibility
PartsFruit
UsesFresh (crisp) or dried
CautionSpiny on some types.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.