The jujube tree, often called the Chinese date, is a resilient and appealing fruit tree growing in popularity among home gardeners. This deciduous tree tolerates heat and drought, making it a hardy addition to many landscapes. Successfully planting a jujube tree requires careful attention to location, proper technique, and immediate post-planting care. Following a planting guide ensures the tree establishes a strong foundation and begins its life with a healthy start.
Site Selection and Preparation
Selecting the right location is the first step toward a thriving jujube tree, as they demand maximum sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. The site should receive a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day, avoiding areas shaded by buildings or larger trees. Jujubes perform best in well-drained soil, as they are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
They tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, but the ground must drain freely. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5, is preferred. Before digging, check for underground utilities and consider the mature size of the tree, which can reach 15 to 25 feet in height and requires adequate spacing. If your soil drains poorly, creating a raised planting mound can improve the tree’s survival.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
The planting process begins with preparing the tree, which is often received as a bare-root specimen or in a container. Bare-root trees should be soaked in water for a few hours before planting to rehydrate them. The planting hole should be dug at least twice as wide as the root system to allow roots to spread quickly. The depth of the hole should only be equal to the depth of the root ball or the soil line on a bare-root tree.
Position the tree in the center of the hole, ensuring the root crown—where the roots meet the trunk—is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. For grafted trees, the graft union (a slight bulge on the lower trunk) must remain well above the soil line to prevent the scion from rooting. However, some growers recommend planting the jujube graft union a few inches below the soil line to promote rooting and add stability.
Backfill the hole using the native soil removed during excavation. Avoid adding heavy soil amendments like compost, which can discourage roots from expanding beyond the planting hole. Lightly tamp the soil down as it is added to eliminate large air pockets. Immediately after filling, water the tree deeply to settle the soil around the roots and ensure good root-to-soil contact.
Essential Post-Planting Care
The first year is the establishment phase, requiring a consistent watering schedule for the newly planted jujube tree. While established jujubes are drought-tolerant, young trees need regular moisture to develop a robust root system. Allow the soil to dry slightly between water applications, which encourages roots to grow deeper. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to shallow, frequent watering, as it promotes long-term drought resistance.
Apply a three to four-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around the base of the tree to retain soil moisture and suppress weed competition. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and bark rot. If the young tree is thin or planted in a windy location, temporary staking may be necessary to prevent root rock and provide structural support.
If staking is used, the ties should be loose enough to allow slight trunk movement, which helps the tree develop a strong caliper. Initial pruning should be minimal, focusing only on removing broken or crossing branches to improve air circulation. Avoid fertilization in the first few months, as it can burn new roots; wait until the tree has established before considering a light application of a balanced fertilizer.