Contorted Jujube Will Produce Fruit on its Own

Q. I have a Contorted Jujube, which is partially self-fruitful. I acquired a Lang Jujube, which needs a pollenizer tree. I don't really have space to plant the pollenizer tree close to it. What is the maximum distance I can plant a pollenizer tree from the other?

Fairly young contorted Jujube during the summer months. It is considered partially self fruitful which means it will produce fruit without another tree for pollination but produces more if a pollenizer tree like Lang jujube is nearby.

A. Jujube performs extremely well in our hot desert climate. It is also called Indian fig or Chinese date. It’s a good fruit tree selection if you like the fruit. Even if you don’t like the fruit, it’s a vigorous landscape tree if it is irrigated.

Fruit of contorted Jujube in both fresh and dried forms on the same tree. Both forms are desirable depending on your own tastes.

            The term “beeline” is a good one to remember. It’s more important to have the pollenizer tree in a “straight shot” from the other tree and not around a corner. Bees travel in straight lines for the most part.

Contorted jujube in winter after leaf drop.

            These trees are pollinated by honeybees and other insects during the early spring and summer months. So, if you don’t have pollinators actively working your landscape then fruit production will be low even if you have a pollenizer tree. Attract pollinators into the landscape by planting flowering herbs like rosemary and provide clean water they can haul back to their hive. Birdbaths work with some rocks placed in the water as landing pads for the bees.