The jujube tree is a fruit tree originally from China. The Li Jujube variety was imported to the continental United States in 1908. Many varieties exist that are specialized for different uses. The Li Jujube is a particularly good cultivar to choose for your garden if you are interested in all-around utility in your jujube fruit.
Description
The Li Jujube tree needs very little water to thrive, which makes it a a good choice for gardeners in areas with little average annual rainfall. The fruit of the Li Jujube has been described as having a sweet flavor that reminds the eater of an apple. It also somewhat resembles an apple, beginning as a green round fruit that turns red as it ripens. It is best to consume the jujube fruit before it wrinkles and softens, which is very shortly after the red color is attained.
Uses
An important use of the Li Jujube lies in its fruit production. Some varieties of the jujube tree were developed to produce fruit that dries well, while others are better suited to producing a fruit to eat fresh. The Li Jujube produces a fruit that tastes good fresh, yet maintains its quality when this fruit is dried. The flavor of the dried Li Jujube fruit is similar to that of a date.
Care
The Li Jujube tree is a plant that exemplifies easy, low-stress care. While the Li Jujube does best in silty, well-drained soil, it will thrive in many environments and will produce fruit well even when planted in soil types considered poor and undesirable. It is frost-, heat- and drought-tolerant, making its recommended range wide. It does not require fertilization and may do better without any applications of fertilizer, although if desired, you may fertilize with nitrogen once every two to three months.
Diseases of the Li Jujube Tree
The Li Jujube does not have disease agents in most parts of the world that cause issues for gardeners. In addition, Li Jujubes are not bothered by any pests or fungi of note native to the United States, and you need not worry about any application of preventative pesticides or fungicides. There is a disease in Korean and Chinese jujube trees, known as witch's broom, but it should not be of concern outside of these areas. It may become an issue in the future if introduced outside these countries.
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