Jujube (Zizipus Mauritiana) 

Ziziphus mauritiana, also known as Indian jujube, Indian plum, Chinese date, Chinee apple ber, and dunks is a tropical fruit tree species belonging to the family Rhamnaceae.

Jujube is a hardy tree that copes with extreme temperatures and thrives under rather dry conditions. Fruit quality is best under hot, sunny and dry conditions, but there should be a rainy season to support extension growth and flowering, ideally leaving enough residual soil moisture to carry the fruit to maturity. It is known for its ability to withstand adverse conditions, such as salinity, drought and waterlogging.

Fruit is eaten fresh or dried and can be made into a floury meal, butter, or a cheese like paste, used as a condiment. Also used for candy making and pickling. The fruit is a good source of carotene, vitamins A and C, and fatty oils. A refreshing drink is prepared by macerating fruits in water. In Indonesia, young leaves are cooked as a vegetable. 
If one has an abundance of fruit, it can be frozen for long periods without any deterioration of quality. 

At maturity, fruits are generally light yellowish orange to almost brown in color. Many people say that when these are eaten fresh, they have flavor somewhat resembling that of a green apple. Older fruits which have been allowed to sit for a few days before being eaten often will have a flavor almost like a date.

In ideal conditions and the right climate Jujube will fruit after 3 years from seed. In NZ, it might take 5-6 years to fruit.

Plant Care

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Watering: Water moderately; allow the soil to dry between waterings, especially important during the fruiting season to enhance fruit sweetness.
• Temperature: Performs well in temperatures between 20°C to 35°C. It is quite drought and heat tolerant but requires hot summers for fruiting.
• Light: Full sun is essential for optimal fruit production.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced NPK fertilizer like 10-10-10 in early spring. Supplement with potassium during the fruit development phase to improve fruit quality.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or overcrowded branches and to maintain tree shape.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch to conserve soil moisture, especially in areas with hot, dry summers.
• Pest Control: Monitor for pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Employ integrated pest management strategies as needed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Produces small, fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by edible fruit that matures in late summer to early autumn.
• Potting: Can be grown in a pot but prefers the ground. Ensure the pot is large and has good drainage if container growing is required.
• Feeding Regime: Regular feeding during the active growth period supports healthy growth and maximizes fruit production.
• Plants would be much better leaving the nursery around October this year, this will allow them to recover and send new growth after a long wet winter