Growing Jujubes: The "Weird Apple" That Tastes Absolutely Delicious!

Jujubes are not only a classic candy of the 1990s, but an incredibly delicious fruit tree that resembles tiny crabapples. Also known as Chinese dates, it's a staple in permaculture gardens around the world. Our grower Chris in Vancouver BC comes on to show you exactly how to grow, prune, and propagate this incredible fruit tree.
00:00 - Intro
01:59 - Cultivars
02:42 - Description & Pollination
03:58 - Conditions & Warmth
04:37 - Wet Climate & Soil Moisture
05:23 - Maintenance
06:12 - Pruning Large Plants
06:43 - Unique Pruning Method
08:15 - Propagation
09:33 - Not For Container
10:18 - Outro
IN THIS VIDEO
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[@epicgardening]

SO excited for our Jujube crop this year...what trees should we cover next?

[@thesilentone4024]

Mesquite trees 1 or more of the 13 edible kinds. Unless you mean kinds you got then plant some Mesquite there delicious expect the cotton one lol 😆.

[@redblackshirt]

Star apple 😊

[@robertjames3538]

Would love to see Persimmons or Figs!

[@melissasullivan1658]

I dunno. Something weird, maybe even something epic. 🧐 Edit: start fruit? I’d call star fruit pretty epic.

[@kpopalitfonzelitaclide2147]

Cachew they grow fruit

[@Kai2z]

This tree is a beast. Here in Iraq it grows wildly and don’t require any care at all. We have one in our home it’s been there since I was born. Every year we get loads of fruits from it, people here especially kids absolutely love it’s fruit. it’s overall a beautiful,strong tree 🌳💚

[@petekooshian5595]

I love Chris as an addition to the team! She's so knowledgeable and chill!

[@Ckawauchi35]

I love how she talks very clearly and yes, she's knowledgeable about the subjects she covers.

[@jeffreythree]

Jujubes are great, especially for the tough growing environment here in North Texas. The 'Coco' variety is my favorite, it has a complex flavor vs. some of the ones that are just sweet.

[@epicgardening]

I'll have to hunt down that variety myself! - Kevin

[@DJ64765]

@@Urme4774 summers get into the 100s and stay there for extended periods of time. Winters will get down to single digits with hard freezes (sometimes very thick sheets of ice). Add hard clay soil to that and it can be tough to grow here.

[@jarnold8803]

When dry, large cracks , deep enough to set sharp shooter in the crack, get it wet slippery and sticks to everything

[@benm5407]

@@epicgardening 2:26 ;)

[@jeffreythree]

@@Urme4774 David Jared pretty much summed it up, but jujubes are also native to a climate closer to ours than the traditional fruit trees.

[@JDlovescats979]

The community orchard I used to volunteer at had several of these trees. They quickly became one of my favorite fruits, partially because of the taste but also because they gave us the least amount of issues at the orchard.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@johnday6544]

Be careful with the thorny types. I have a large 20ft tree (North Texas) that sends out suckers on a large radius. They will infiltrate your flower and bush beds and are really hard to control. The thorns really hurt even on the young shoots so clearing them is chore. Birds also love the fruits and even though there's a 50% chance to start a new tree, with 100's of fruits, your neighbors will have JuJubes trees in no time once the birds start traveling with their snacks.

[@epicgardening]

Oh man, I got SPIKED on one and it really hurt. - Kevin

[@Neenerella333]

@PogChamp I've only ever seen them in Asian grocery produce sections in Arizona. In that semi dried form. They were just ok for my taste.

[@shawnplowman7924]

We planted a loquat next to our fence. We had to chop it down for a roof repair. It grew back twice as tall and completely forested my neighbor’s yard with about 10 additional loquat trees. With fruits like loquat and jujube they sometimes become a neighborhood issue. And don’t even get me started on the 6 pack of Mexican Evening Primrose I bought in the 1980s, that is a real neighborhood issue!!

[@moniquegebeline4350]

@PogChamp I see some of the Asian videos on you tube (Chinese) use the dried form in stewing and soups with chicken and duck

[@moniquegebeline4350]

@PogChamp I’ve got 2. 😂 I planted them way way way in the back of the yard in the section where we leave ‘wild’ for the animals to have, there are all kinds of vines and brambles and thorny things there anyway. Hubby mows in front of that so any suckers that pop out will be decapitated once a week like clockwork 😉

[@justinfowler6325]

So awesome that you have added members to the channel with such diverse knowledge. Chris is a very welcome addition and we are so thankful for all the help and guidance you three have brought us. Thanks again i hope you all have an amazing growing season and i look forward to the many more videos to come. Much love!

[@racebiketuner]

Yup. More Chris please.

[@shaunawang8677]

My friend gave me a young tree ( bare root, one and half feet long) it beared one fruit the first year, the year after I got three fruit. Now it has been 12 years. Last year I harvested more than 40 pounds. It is just fantastic.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@GypsyKhi]

I didn’t learn of this in person until I moved to California. I’m in SoCal and it’s been a dry spot for quite a while now. There’s a house I pass almost every day that has multiple different fruit trees and this one always interested me. I asked the kind old man who was outside what they were and he insisted on giving me like 20 of them!! I’ve learned that they grow easily in dry climates so now I see why he was happy to give so many away! I am soooo excited to try them in all forms.

[@TheNakidGardeners]

We are growing some this year in our permaculture. Never even heard of them until our permaculture coach told us about them. Thanks for sharing

[@jayspermacultureallotment]

Chris was mentioning about replanting suckers from the base of the jujube trees, however since most are grafted onto root stock, you would be growing whatever that root stock is, this is fine if you are to then take cuttings from the main tree for grafting on to that root stock. Just thought it was worth mentioning 🤔

[@TheRosswise]

Believe it or not, not all jujubes are grafted. The nursery I got mine from sold me a Li sucker, so any suckers my tree makes are also Li.

[@GM-rs2fv]

First video I’ve seen with Chris and she is such a great addition to the channel!! I had never heard of these before these

[@53peace]

A complete masterclass on Jujube. Just yesterday wanted to order a Jujube plant and was hesitant as I didn’t know much about it. Thank you so much. Definitely getting one for my garden.

[@pay1370]

i'm really enjoying these deep dives!

[@AiraRukawa]

Slowly turning to be epic chris’ channel. Hahaha. Can’t wait until spring time and see her garden.

[@TheNate2b]

Love these new informational videos from our friends up north!

[@bethnia9053]

Chris! Rockstar teaching! Thanks for sharing!

[@Lovelygreens]

I'm intrigued... I've never heard of jujubes before but if they can grow in Chris's climate then they'll do great on the Isle of Man. 'Coco' sounds delicious!

[@VelvetandToads]

And I was thinking if they grow in Kevin’s climate they’ll grow in the South of France ! 🤗

[@rezayaseri2790]

Most Gardeners grow them beside figs, grape and pomegranate in my city 😉

[@VelvetandToads]

@@rezayaseri2790 I hope to do the same soon!

[@jayspermacultureallotment]

Hi Tanya I have the Jujubes Li and Lang growing in West London UK, no fruit as yet but have had flowers, so I think over next few years they should. You will have no problem growing them on the Isle of Man.

[@TheRealAlix]

I can't wait to see you harvest this little pretty. Excited and slightly jealous!

[@theresalee9392]

🌻Great presentation by Chris! Thank you!🌻

[@hothamonggirl]

This is so helpful. I didn't know I can grow these in my region. Thank you.

[@kevinsullivan1833]

Would love Chris’s take on growing citrus in northern climates!

[@evegalvin7135]

Jujubees (the candy) are sooo good, my grandpa would always get us some to share when I was little. I def wanna grow one of these!

[@TheBusyGardener]

YESSSS! Nice to see those trees survived the pot-up, Kevin! Jujubes (neck and neck with Citrus) are easily the most beginner friendly tree, IMO. So adaptable, so pest resistant, so drought tolerant, and so easy to grow in a bunch of USDA zones.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@jcweld]

I'm surprised I don't see more of these. I have one in Virginia that is doing great. It seems invincible to pests and diseases. I've never watered it after it was a month old. It looks great and draws a lot of interest from people walking by. It draws the "Four Toothed Mason Wasp" in like crazy.

[@thecunningkrugereffect]

Yay! More Chris Content!

[@abutaher383]

Excellent video

[@harrok38]

I have been growing a Jujube tree, the “Li” variety, which is self fruiting. Love to eat the fresh fruit which has an apple like texture.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@trashcatlinol]

I've been considering growing ''exotic' fruits to sell by the highway. I live right along it, and have a fairly decent sized plot to work with! Jujubes seem like a great plant to raise! I'm especially curious about how to dry them now, as it's be a great way to enjoy them all year!

[@jantellfowler5883]

Nice to see this fruit on the show, we grow something here in The Bahamas 🇧🇸 that we call Juju , it does look like tiny apples but it doesn't have the brown unless it's overripe and it's really small

[@albertweis7669]

Going. To. Try. It. Thanks

[@vincenty747]

Planted my first jujube this past winter and it's finally starting to bud out. Long ways off from getting fruit but I'm excited about for the future. May get a companion jujube to increase yield potential.

[@MeanOldLady]

I LOVED those jujube candies... Had those back in the early 80s too.

[@patriciancube394]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing.👍🏾

[@davidhenry7625]

Hello Patricia

[@PureLace]

So cool! Love her videos!

[@TheArcSet]

Thanks for this.

[@justsaiyan8678]

I love this channel. 😁

[@jamesclaire115]

Tuli, I had a hybrid jujubee tree. The hybrid part died with a freak winter storm that killed the grafted part. The native stock took over and the tree seems to be doing well. I believe this is the same plant. I only had one tree. I hope to buy a second tree. Our tree is about 8 to 10 foot tall. Thank you for sharing a very awesome video. Great work! Stay well and be blessed...

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@ZCScience]

Wow I never heard about this fruit I will need to try this

[@tracemoriarty7010]

Chris has so much good information! Their videos are always informative -- but the vibe of all talk without much visual tour of the garden is very different from historical content on Epic Gardener. I might watch Chris's individual channel, but when I tune into Epic Gardener, I'm looking for the Epic Gardener. I'm hopeful these special guest star videos are a limited series, and we return to the regular channel soon. Thanks for receiving feedback!

[@tracemoriarty7010]

@@cher-amirose7109 I am writing about Chris, the frequent guest on Epic Gardener (such as in this edition).

[@Blargss]

Perfect timing; I’ve been eating these all week. How do you go about selecting seeds? Can you idea the seed in the dried fruit?

[@whisperingbotanicals5304]

Thank you so much for this!! I have 2 jujube trees and I got them as ‘newborns’ lol. Tiny whips, and it took 5 years for 1 of them to fruit. I only got 2 fruits. I haven’t found much information on how long it takes to set fruit but hoping this year is the golden year ;). Im in the south Okanagan bc :) hot summers and cold winters. Low precipitation all year.

[@garywatson9519]

Fantastic video.

[@crowlsyong]

1:38 this voiceover is awesome. Feels so high quality. Very nice.

[@trishdavi7049]

Oi always thought they were just candies too lol. Great pruning tips Chris!

[@squashit339]

Well Chris, I wasn't considering it because I've never even heard of it! But I am now! All these nursery owners tomorrow scratching their heads saying I don't know why but I've had 10 people today asking if we had Jujube trees 😂

[@davidhenry7625]

Hello Ladies

[@nomparfait]

Thankfully my Li & Lang have no thorns, but their suckers are a whole other story! Love my jujube❤ I live in zone 6b/7, clay soil.They're about 20 yrs old, don't need to spray for bugs either.

[@devonbradley4372]

That was very informative. We had jujube lollies in the 60's but I never knew there was a Jujube tree until recently. It was great to see one on screen and see their interesting zig zag pattern. I would like to know how you use their fruit? Can you use them like a dried date in biscuit or scone making? Perhaps you could address this in some future video? Thank you. This well done and I did really like the grow house, too. Blessings to you.

[@russellsherwood2315]

They are very tasty, I first had them in New Mexico, i would love to be able to grow these

[@thisfool89]

Love the video.

[@chinatownboy7482]

Kabocha and Delicata. In stores right now. The seeds germinate and grow very easily. Every time I eat them, the seeds go back to the yard. And every year, I get vines that produce more fruit. These pumpkin-like squash are extremely sweet, with edible skins. I cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, and steam them for about 20 minutes until it's soft.

[@moniquegebeline4350]

I have GA something something and I totally forget the second variety 😂 mine are just leafing out in zone 9a. They lived a year in containers and planted them early spring. One is quite mature probably a 4 year tree this year the other is considerably smaller. My more mature tree did flower a little last year but did not produce .

[@squirlsworld]

thank you

[@johnrobholmes]

I planted some 5 foot ones last year. Hope to get fruit this year!

[@tadesseabate4809]

i see the first time this is good information thanks

[@joemccall8991]

Just enjoyed some tea today made with a variety of homegrown fruits and herbs including jujube from our orchard. The mistake I made for years was fertilizing and watering our jujube which basically led to no fruit for many seasons. I found that you need to ignore them, abuse them, and they will stress and provide plentiful fruit after that.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@jujube2407]

I had my first jujube in texas at a girl scout conference! Never had one again since! But they were sooo neat!

[@marialuna7221]

I knew them as Chinese Apples,super delicious and Thorns are super sharp

[@edwinamceachran]

ooh i think they might be able to handle our dreary weather in the UK so I might try this!

[@joebobjenkins7837]

My wife tried some and fell in love with them.

[@mountainbuttons]

It's been a couple years since I watched this, and I finally have two jujubes in the ground!!

[@cynthiabrenner8134]

As a kid growing up in the early 60's, a box of jujube candy was my favorite companion to double-feature movie palaces of the era because they lasted soooo long! As for taste, I always thought they tasted kinda like "perfume", but I was OK with that, LOL.

[@AB-lz5sl]

Please how it is prepared

[@francescofavro8890]

they are pretty widespread here in italy, we even have a proverb "andare in brodo di giuggiole" ("to drop in jujubes broth") to say that someone is extremely happy. jujubes broth is a liqueur

[@brendanlaird5831]

Chris does such a good job in her segments. Really good information!

[@MadAcreFarms]

New to gardening! We just bought our first farm and we have an orchard and this would be such an awesome addition! We are in zone 5A so sounds like we need to keep it comfortable.. question for you..as a new gardener in zone 5A will it survive cold winters or is it a little on the sensitive side??

[@robbiestroud2858]

HOLY SHIT THIS WAS AN INFORMATIVE VIDEO!

[@tovemargrethedyblie6628]

Great video - I especially liked the pruning part, because I did not know. I had one jujube tree on my land when I bought it, but it is incredibly prolific. I give it nothing except some water no and again. I also self seeds like crazy - and every year I need to dig up 20-30 little tress around it. So - it seem like germination from seed, (or fallen fruit) is not a problem. So I was surpriced to learn that they are hard to start from seeds..... I do not know what cultivar I have though - but the mother tree must be at least 25 feet tall. I have planted some of them as a hedge row, and just pruned the top off to keep the low - seesm to work well. The "hedge" started producing fruit the year after I transplanted them.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@sp8964]

In india we will cut the main steam living 2-3 feet once the tree is established. It will fruit in the winter January-March and then we will cut the main steam. It will show vigorous growth again and it will be as large as earlier before the fruiting time. We we can have another crop between the jujube lines.

[@nojuanhungrykabayan6364]

Wow! I already have One from the seeds I ate when I work abroad. Its 5 feet now, exactly a year last june.

[@greensage395]

Pickled Jujube's are phenomenal!

[@AB-lz5sl]

Please we want to see how the recipe is prepared

[@stephaniepalmer4167]

I ended up with a shanxi li jujube in a trade. I had never heard of them before and I am amazed at how fast it has grown! Hoping to get some fruit off it this year!

[@tavyfavorite1149]

My Indian jujubectree are grown from seeds. It produce fruits in 2 years, grew fast up to 8 ft tall bc I apply julency fertilizer help tree grow faster, fruits early, green healthy foli and strong healthy roots structure.

[@matt9906]

Freakin love Chris - every episode of hers are so analytical yet easy to follow

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Love having episodes from Chris, they always cover such interesting topics! Thanks for bringing us such cool info Kevin! Looking forward to seeing how your Jujubes do here in San Diego!

[@authorcharlieboring]

I have Sherwood Jujube in Northern VA and have gotten fruit for the past two years.

[@tavyfavorite1149]

Thank you Chris for explaining so detail. This is the best video on youtube. My only concern is -how do you control the tree roots from spreading into your home underground surface. It already damage my concrete driveway as it matures. Do you think I should keep prune them limb short, more than half way to keep the roots from spreading? Bc I've notice the more you prune them, the more they grow invasive. It is better to control them while they are still young. I call itvthe vampire tree, crazy thorn hurt like bees stung. I had grown my tree from seeds 6 years ago. Producing tons of fruits with beautiful glossy cantepe umbrella shape with lots of shades. My neighbor love it. But I'm worry it might damage their concrete. I need help!!!!!!.

[@gianfrancoselvaggi1796]

Thank you very interesting ,does the plant tolerate wind ?

[@blacktalon1597]

my favorite fruit tree, we have 5, 2 Indian and 3 Chinese Lee's. my 2 Indian trees grew 25 feet tall, I trimmed to 10 feet, full of fruit.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@judithstorck5195]

Thank you - that did help a lot although I just two days ago gave our Li & Lang more compost & some (not a lot) fruit tree fertilizer along with lots of straw mulch (we are in SW Arizona so mulching is necessary). Li always wakens before Lang but Lang is sprouting leaves now. I do need to cut off only one branch on both trees (those branches are growing OUT too far over our garden area so it is difficult to get by without getting attacked by the thorns). Li and Lang are about seven feet tall and doing well. Do you think those branches that I cut can propagate into new trees? Judi

[@davidhenry7625]

Hello Judith

[@anouksurmenian4257]

Omg I loooooooove jujube! My husband family has a beautiful one that fruits a lot but they never do anything with it 😱

[@epicgardening]

Try dehydrating!

[@anouksurmenian4257]

I will try this year! Otherwise I eat them just like that or cook with chicken (they become sooo sweet), I never tried to make jam/preserve 🤔

[@yeevita]

Eat it!

[@AB-lz5sl]

Please we want to see how the recipe is prepared@@anouksurmenian4257

[@randalllevy5307]

Lol yes. Soon as I seen the video, my mind 1st went to jujufruit candy

[@thyme4coffee203]

Planting Li and Lang soon from Raintree Nursery!~

[@katherinehenry1480]

Great for spleen health

[@davidhenry7625]

Hello Katherine

[@Crits-Crafts]

Look tasty

[@dory2380]

You know I was excited when I first learned of the name 'jujube' and that it’s also called chinese dates. So I went searching for info about it and it turns out this fruit is just our local 'kul' :')

[@AB-lz5sl]

name kul ? Please video to see it

[@SunShine-nz8kp]

Need details on growing from seed I have been sucessful sprouting then after about 3 inches of growth it begins to deline. Help!

[@racebiketuner]

They are available at my local farmers market, but I have learned the hard way I need to stay away from them. Seems like no matter how many I buy, I eat them like a hog until they are gone. Kinda like the Doritos of fruit ;-)

[@PRDreams]

When is she getting her own spin off channel?

[@epicgardening]

We'll see!

[@DunnDifferent]

I have a 50 foot jujube tree in my backyard that’s been there for at least 30 years. I thought it was an olive tree until 5 years ago lol. We’re planning on making jelly with them this year.

[@AB-lz5sl]

How much is produced from fruits, leaves and waste

[@tf141mw2]

I'm trying to get a lemon and apple tree started by seed. Hopefully they sprout

[@deathdiablo22]

This is the PERFECT video!! My in-laws gave us a Jujube tree that I stabbed myself on already. I was trying to figure out everything about it. Sadly the only thing I can't figure out is what type it is.

[@soundsofnature2451]

I got a question: aren’t the suckers growing around the grafted jujube tree the ones of original cultivar (inferior to the grafted) and not the same as the good cultivar of the 9:04 grafted ?

[@buttonenfuego]

I have a Li tree and a Lang tree and I'm trying to figure out how far to space them from each other when I plant them in the ground

[@davidhenry7625]

Hello Laura

[@PegsGarden]

Thank you Chris and Kevin, always wondered about planting a Jujube tree, I might consider it now since I have great growing conditions for it here in Central Florida zone 9b, can you recommend any good places to pick up a plant online.

[@epicgardening]

Right now we love Raintree Nursery and Stark Brothers

[@PegsGarden]

@@epicgardening thank you, I will check them out

[@christinemccoy4471]

I am in north central FL. I have Li and Lang. I was a grower at fruit and nut nursery. They taste like a maple syrup dipped apple

[@TedK4307]

This video made me buy two. Lol LI and sugar cane from TyTy nursery in GA. Fingers crossed they grow in Charlotte,NC and Tampa,FL.

[@shawnplowman7924]

One Green World has a large variety of jujubes for sale online. I’ve had very good luck growing their plants in zone 10a San Diego

[@cathierose2009]

They grow well in Oklahoma. She should talk about what the fruit tastes like

[@Bentleybabygirl]

Dwarf one yes I ate them in Jamaica as a kid

[@stephenshanebeaty]

How closely related do trees have to be to be able to be graphed together I know you can do Citrus to Citrus but can you do Citrus to Mango etc

[@kchacko100]

What rootstock I should use to graft Jujubes and where do I get it?

[@lemontea128]

I thought most jujubes are grafted onto wild jujubes variety which produces small sour fruit. So in a way you will get more jujube plants but it won’t produce fruit exactly to the ones on the scion.

[@carinalavin420]

Jujubes are highly invasive and also have sharp small thorns. It’s bad juju lol!

[@momsterwong9088]

I live in Vancouver, where did you get yours?