Plant a Jujube Tree in Late March: 4 Rules for a Rich Harvest

Many gardens are still in winter dormancy, but the planting season is already getting under way. Alongside apples, cherries and plums, one tree deserves attention that is scarcely known in the UK – despite being hardy, undemanding and exceptionally productive. Anyone prepared to plant one now, in late March, while following a few simple rules, could be enjoying vitamin-rich “dates” from their own garden within just a few years.

An almost forgotten fruit treasure: what makes the Jujube tree so appealing

The star of this article is the Jujube, also known as the Chinese date. Botanically, it is among the hardier fruit trees and originally comes from Asia. In many regions it is a traditional garden tree, whereas here it remains a niche choice – quite unfairly.

The tree produces small, olive-sized fruits with firm skins. Once ripe, they taste like a blend of sweet apple and mild date. Depending on their stage of ripeness, they can be eaten fresh, dried, candied or made into purée, syrup and baked goods. Their vitamin C content is considerable, and the fruits have traditionally been used as a home remedy during winter.

“If you want to water very little while still expecting plenty of fruit, the Jujube is exactly the right choice.”

It is especially interesting for gardeners in hot, dry areas: the Jujube tree tolerates high temperatures, copes with little water and is regarded as highly resistant to many common fruit-tree diseases. That makes it particularly suitable for modern, natural gardens where resources should be conserved.

Why late March is the crucial planting window

Warmth for the roots rather than a cold shock

While apple and pear trees are ideally planted in autumn, the Jujube benefits from starting the garden year slightly later. The best time is the final week of March or, depending on the region, early April, once the soil has warmed up a little.

• The soil is no longer icy cold, allowing the roots to begin growing faster.
• Late frosts have usually passed, so young shoots are less likely to freeze.
• Spring moisture provides a natural reserve of water without prolonged wetness.

Planting too early risks the young tree “standing still”, as cold soil slows root growth. If planting is delayed too far into the year, the young Jujube may not develop enough root mass before its first winter.

Rule 1: Plenty of sun – the site determines the harvest

A full south-facing position, not a shady corner

The Jujube thrives on heat and light. A sunny location is therefore not merely recommended; it is essential. A fully sunny south- or south-west-facing site is ideal, preferably near a wall or house wall that stores warmth.

Suitable positions include:

• the warmest, preferably sheltered corner of the garden
• a spot beside a house wall that receives sun during the day
• a slope or slightly raised area where the air warms more readily

“Every additional hour of sunshine is later reflected directly in the number and sweetness of the fruits.”

Shade from larger trees, hedges or buildings slows growth, leaving the tree stunted and producing little fruit. Anyone with only a partially shaded garden should choose other fruit varieties instead.

Rule 2: Excellent drainage – it is difficult to manage without it

Waterlogging is the hidden main enemy

As robust as the Jujube tree is in dry conditions, it reacts sensitively to permanently wet soil. Fine roots rot away quickly, especially in heavy loam or clay soils. This results in weak growth, brown leaves and, in the worst case, total failure.

Before planting, it is worth carrying out a simple soil test: if rainwater remains on the surface for a long time or the soil sticks to your fingers when kneaded, it is very compact. In that case, proper drainage is essential.

Practical measures include:

• Dig a planting hole at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
• Add a layer of coarse gravel or coarse sand to the bottom of the planting hole.
• Mix the excavated soil with sand, grit or fine gravel until it becomes crumbly.
• Do not use pure compost or heavy, wet potting compost.

“A slightly poor but loose soil is preferable to one that is nutrient-rich and puddled.”

Those gardening on very wet ground can also plant the Jujube on a small mound. The raised root zone dries out faster and is protected from waterlogging.

Rule 3: Two trees for bowls full of fruit – why neighbours matter

Without a partner tree, part of the yield potential is lost

Many retailers advertise the Jujube as self-fertile. That is partly true: a single tree can certainly produce fruit. However, yields are noticeably greater when two different varieties are planted close together. Bees and other insects then pollinate between the trees.

This provides several benefits:

• more flowers are successfully fertilised
• a greater number of fruits per tree
• more reliable yields from one year to the next

Anyone with enough space should therefore plant at least two Jujube trees of different varieties. This creates a small mini orchard that looks attractive while also providing an additional food source for insects in summer.

The correct spacing: do not plant too closely

Even so, the trees should not be placed too close together. A planting distance of four to five metres in every direction is advisable. This leaves sufficient room for the canopy and roots without the trees competing for light.

Aspect	Recommendation
Distance between two Jujube trees	4–5 metres
Distance from a house wall	at least 2 metres
Final height	around 3–5 metres, depending on variety and pruning

With enough spacing, air can circulate well through the canopy. Moisture dries more quickly, giving fungal diseases little opportunity to establish themselves. Expensive fungicides are therefore usually unnecessary.

Rule 4: Water correctly – plenty at first, then almost none

The first watering after planting is crucial

Immediately after putting the tree in place comes a frequently underestimated step: a thorough settling-in watering. It ensures that no air pockets remain around the roots.

Proceed as follows:

1. Place the tree in the planting hole, fill with soil and firm it lightly.
2. Slowly pour at least one 10-litre bucket of water into the planting area.
3. If the soil visibly sinks, top it up again as needed.

“This first generous watering gently presses the soil against the roots and prevents the root ball from drying out later.”

Over the following weeks, the young tree needs only moderate but targeted watering. The soil around the roots should remain lightly moist, but never wet.

Save water and protect the soil with mulch

A thick mulch ring around the trunk acts as natural insulation. Straw, woodchip or leaf compost are particularly suitable. Mulch retains moisture in the soil, keeps it cool in summer and protects against severe frost during the first winter.

A rule of thumb for watering during the first year:

• In a mild spring: check once a week whether the top layer of soil has dried out.
• During hot spells: water deeply, then allow the soil to dry again.
• From autumn onwards: water only during extended dry periods.

Once the tree is well rooted, it needs very little additional water. Mature Jujubes cope remarkably calmly with even prolonged dry spells.

How to tell whether the Jujube tree has established well

A few weeks after planting, it becomes clear whether the location is suitable. If the tree produces fresh, light-green leaves and short new shoots, it has established itself. If no growth appears at all, check the soil moisture critically and look for possible frost damage.

The tree needs very little fertiliser, particularly in its first years. A small amount of mature compost once a year in spring is usually enough. Too much fertiliser encourages wood growth rather than fruit production.

Exotic harvest from your own garden: practical uses for Jujube fruit

Ripe fruits change from green to yellowish, and finally brownish. They are at their most aromatic at this stage. Many gardeners eat them straight from the tree, much like cherries.

If the harvest is larger than can be eaten fresh, there are several options:

• halve the fruits and dry them in a dehydrator or oven
• preserve them with honey and use them as a spread
• add them to muesli, yoghurt or baked goods

Drying concentrates the sugar, produces a softer texture and makes the fruit more reminiscent of classic dates. This allows some of the sugar in recipes to be replaced with home-grown fruit.

For anyone looking for a long-lived, easy-care yet unusual fruit tree, the Jujube is a surprisingly practical choice. With the right planting time, plenty of sun, good drainage and a smart start to watering, there is little standing in the way of a plentiful harvest from your own garden.