Last updated on December 7th, 2025 at 07:42 am
The Jujube Tree is a small tree that will drop its leaves in winter. Also called the Ziziphus jujuba, Chinese Jujuba, or the red date tree. In the Southwest, It grows to about 15-30ft. in height and 10ft. in width larger in places where there is lots of rainfall.  It produces a small date-like fruit. It can withstand extreme heat and cold this makes it a perfect tree for the Southwest region.
Care of the Jujube Tree
Caring for a jujube tree isn’t complicated, but it does need attention to a few key points. First, make sure it’s planted in full sun with well-drained soil. Jujube trees thrive in hot, dry climates, so don’t overwater—once or twice a month is usually enough after it’s established. Prune lightly during winter to remove dead or crowded branches, but avoid heavy cutting. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced mix to encourage growth and fruit production. Got sandy soil? No problem—these trees adapt well, though a little compost can help. Keep an eye out for suckers at the base and remove them to keep the tree focused on fruit.
The leaves it produces are about 2″ long and shiny it will also produce thorns, however, there are some hybrid varieties that remove the thorns. It also produces a white almost light pink flower during the spring season.  The fruit is a drupe or a stone fruit.
Where to place the Jujube Tree
You can place it almost anywhere. It will thrive in full sun and partial shade it also tolerates poor soil but does better with well-composted soil. The Jujube tree is drought-tolerant, but it’s best to water regularly during the hot season to produce good fruit. The tree does not require fertilizer, but a light organic fertilizer once in early spring will help with larger fruit.
The Jujube Tree:
The jujube tree is surprisingly adaptable and will grow in almost any USDA zone—with the exception of Zone 5—making it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates. These hardy trees can withstand temperatures as low as –20°F, which is impressive for a fruit tree and makes them well-suited for colder high-desert regions as well as hot, dry areas of the Southwest.
The biggest challenge with jujube trees often isn’t growing them—it’s finding one in the first place. Many local nurseries don’t carry jujube varieties, so gardeners may need to search specialty nurseries, order online, or request a special order. Once you get your hands on one, though, jujubes are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and reliably productive.
The Fruit of the Jujube tree
Let the fruit dry out in late summer or early fall for a great sweet dried fruit snack.
Insects and Diseases on Jujube Tree
It’s not prone to diseases or insects. This makes it a good tree to plant for ornamental purposes or as a small fruit tree in your backyard.
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