Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) has been grown in China for 4000 years as a fruit. It tolerates a wide range of climates including our dry, harsh desert. In this interview with Rafael for Desert Horticulture, learn how this tree has been cultivated in our Mojave Desert climate with few pest or management problems. Also learn how Rafael has developed some promising new cultivars that specifically were selected for our desert due to their performance and taste.
Thank you for this podcast on jujubes! I planted grafted jujube whips two years ago (4 ft tall Honey Jar and Sugarcane) here in west Texas based on information from a New Mexico ag extension service. First couple of drupes grew and could be picked this year and I really love the dense apple texture and taste! We have a lot of sun, hot dry summers (100F+), snowy winters from late October to early April (zone 7B), alkaline soil/water (faucets and everything else don't last long because of the calcium deposits), and limited rain at 3200 ft elevation, so is not an ideal location for a lot of other fruit trees.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the graft on one of the Honeyjars died over the winter but the wild rootstock is thriving. I really appreciate the information on growing from the pit/seed; didn't realize before that this could be an option.