Ziziphus jujuba |
Syn. Ziziphus zizyphus
Native Region: China
Zone Range: 7-10
Preferred Climate: Full sun; well draining deep soil
Harvest Date: Thursday 30 December, 2010
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
Famous Chinese fruit cultivated since antiquity. Fresh crabapple sized fruits are sweet yet tangy, but when dry taste of figs and dates without being overly sweet...and without the gritty seeds. Cooked to make jam, jelly, fruit pulp for cakes, puddings and more. Nice lance shaped leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. Drought tolerant when estabished. Pretty much disease and pest free. Mature trees reach less than 10 meters in height with a similar spread. Self fertile, but fruit set is better when you have two to tango (clones don't count).
Notes:
Nutritious fruits high in vitamin C and minerals. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve liver function to increase the body's overall strength.
Cultivation:
Fill a bowl with hot tap water and add seeds. Let cool and let sit for 48 hours. Cold stratify seeds 90 days (can be sown outdoors in a well mulched seed bed/nursery pot or resealable baggie). Give gentle warmth (18-25C) to germinate. Seedling sends out a deep tap root so use the right sized container. Grow on for 2 years before seating out in permanent site.
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