GA-866 Jujube
The GA-866 Jujube has one of the highest sugar contents of any named variety, up to 45%, and is also one of the largest with fruits averaging 1.5 to 2 inches. Found at the USDA research station in Chico, CA, this is great variety for warmer climates and has an excellent sweet apple-like flavor when eaten fresh or a date flavor when dried.
A striking ornamental as well as fruiting plant, Jujube’s are a rare and unique small tree displaying attractive contorted branched, fine lacy foliage, and abundant small, fragrant, white flowers which bloom in mid-summer. Also known as Chinese Date, Jujube’s unique and tasty fruit becomes reddish brown when ripe, with a sweet apple-like flavor and crisp texture. Easy to grow, Jujube can stand some drought and grows well in the Northwest as well as in other regions of the US.
Jujube has a wide culinary history throughout the world. In addition to being eaten fresh, Jujubes are smoked in Vietnam, used in a sweet tea syrup in Korea and China, picked in Bangladesh, used to make wine in China, Brandy in Croatia, and marmalades and juices everywhere.
Jujube also has many medicinal purposes as well. It was been said to alleviate stress, is anti fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory.
Jujube likes half day to full sun and well-drained soil. While most varieties are considered self-fertile, plant two varieties for heavier crops. Jujube is hardy to minus 20 degrees or below, USDA Zone 5, and grows 8-10ft. in height. Jujube blooms in mid-summer and the fruit ripens in October. It is not bothered by pest or diseases.
Latin Name: Ziziphus jujuba
Site and Soil: Jujube likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile. Plant two varieties for cross-pollination and heavier crops.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 20° F or below.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 8-10 ft. in height
Taste: Very sweet, apple-like flavor
Fruit Skin: Reddish brown
Fruit Size: Large
Bloom Time: Mid-summer
Ripening Time: October
Yield: 30+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Jujube is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 5-10