Growing jujube trees from seed offers a fulfilling experience for gardeners. While the process requires patience, nurturing a jujube tree from a tiny seed to a fruit-bearing plant is rewarding. These resilient trees, known for their sweet and tangy fruits, adapt well to various climates once established.
Preparing Jujube Seeds for Planting
To germinate jujube seeds, source viable seeds from ripe, brown, and sometimes slightly crumpled fruits. After collecting, thoroughly remove the flesh and wash the seeds. Note that seeds from commercially purchased premium fruits might not always be viable, and some cultivars, like ‘Li’, are known to produce sterile seeds.
Jujube seeds have a hard outer shell (endocarp) that can prevent germination. Scarification helps overcome this dormancy by weakening the shell. This can be done by lightly scratching it, gently tapping it with a hammer until a small crack is heard, or using a vice grip to pry it open without damaging the inner seed. Soaking scarified seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours can further soften the shell and aid germination. While cold stratification (refrigerating seeds in a moist medium for 6-12 weeks) is sometimes recommended, effective scarification often makes this step unnecessary.
Planting Jujube Seeds
After preparing the seeds, select a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix for planting. This provides the best environment for germination and early seedling development. Suitable mixes include sandy loam, or a combination of peat moss with perlite or coarse sand, ensuring good aeration and preventing waterlogging.
Choose seed trays or small pots with drainage holes. Plant the prepared seeds about 1 inch (2 centimeters) deep. If planting multiple seeds, maintain adequate spacing, such as 10 inches apart in rows, to allow for initial growth. Water the soil thoroughly until evenly moist, avoiding standing water. Maintain a warm environment, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C), which can be aided by a germination mat.
Caring for Jujube Seedlings
Patience is important for germination, as it can take several weeks to a few months. However, properly scarified seeds may sprout within days to weeks. After germination, provide adequate light; seedlings thrive with bright, indirect sunlight or under grow lights. Mature jujube trees require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal development.
During the delicate seedling stage, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels mostly dry, as overwatering can cause root rot. Maintain warm temperatures and ensure good air circulation to prevent issues like damping-off. Jujube trees are generally low-maintenance regarding nutrients. A diluted, balanced fertilizer can be applied every two months during the growing season to encourage faster development, but only after seedlings are well-established.
Growing Jujube Trees from Seed
As seedlings mature, transplant them into larger pots or their final outdoor location. Before permanent outdoor placement, harden off seedlings by gradually acclimating them to varying temperatures, wind, and direct sunlight over several days to weeks.
Select a planting site with full sun, receiving at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily, and well-draining soil. While adaptable, a sandy loam with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is recommended. Space multiple trees 10 to 15 feet apart. Young trees need consistent watering during their first one to two years, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Jujube trees are resilient and generally resistant to common pests and diseases. Be aware that seed-grown trees typically begin to bear fruit after five to seven years, and the fruit may differ from the parent variety. Prune during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) to remove dead or diseased branches, improve air circulation, and manage height and shape. Also, remove any suckers emerging from the tree’s base.