Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’ Chinese date tree or jujube, 80 cm, 3-litre pot

Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’, better known as the Chinese date tree or jujube, is one of the best-known jujube varieties. ‘Li’ is particularly prized for its relatively large, sweet fruits, which can be eaten in two different ways. When fresh, they are firm, crunchy and sweet, whilst once dried, they become softer and more intensely sweet, more reminiscent of dates.

Despite its exotic appearance, the Chinese date palm is surprisingly hardy. The tree thrives in plenty of sun and warmth, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts of unusual fruit varieties.

Why choose Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’?

• Large fruits measuring approx. 4–5 cm
• Crisp and sweet when eaten fresh
• Suitable for drying as a date-like fruit
• Self-fertile
• Highly resistant to heat and drought
• Blooms relatively late in the spring
- Good winter hardiness

Contents of this product

• 1 x Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’ – Chinese date tree
- Pot size: 3 litres
• Height on delivery: approx. 80 cm (approximate)

The tree is supplied in a nursery pot and will continue to grow after planting. Its height, branching and foliage may vary depending on the season, pruning and natural growth.

About the unusual fruits

‘Li’ produces relatively large, fleshy fruits that are round to egg-shaped. As they ripen, the skin changes from green to reddish-brown and eventually to mahogany brown.

When freshly harvested, the flesh is firm, crisp and pleasantly sweet. Its texture is somewhat reminiscent of an apple. If you leave the fruit to ripen for longer or allow it to dry out after harvesting, you’ll experience a completely different flavour: the fruit becomes wrinkled and develops a concentrated, intensely sweet flavour.

As a result, the jujube can be eaten both as fresh fruit and as dried fruit.

Growth and flowering

Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’ grows into a compact, small fruit tree, reaching a height of approximately 3 to 5 metres. The tree can be kept smaller if desired by pruning.

The tree has glossy green foliage and an elegant branching pattern. Compared with some other jujube varieties, ‘Li’ has relatively few thorns.

A particular advantage of the Chinese jujube tree is that it comes into leaf relatively late in the spring. So do not worry straight away if other fruit trees are already in full leaf and the jujube still looks bare. This late start is normal for the species and also reduces the risk of damage from late spring frosts.

Pollination

‘Li’ is self-fertile. Therefore, a second jujube tree is not required to produce fruit.

However, cross-pollination with another suitable variety, such as ‘Lang’ or ‘Sugar Cane’, can improve fruit set and the eventual yield. For those who have space for several trees, combining different jujube varieties may therefore be worthwhile.

Location and care

Heat is important for good fruit development. You should therefore give ‘Li’ the sunniest and warmest spot available. A sheltered spot facing south or near a warm wall is ideal.

The tree is not particularly fussy about the soil, provided it is well-drained. It does not tolerate roots being waterlogged for long periods.

Water young trees regularly during the first year after planting. Once well-established, Ziziphus jujuba is known for its excellent drought tolerance.

Prune

The Chinese date palm requires little pruning. Remove mainly dead, damaged, crossing or unwanted growth.

If you wish to keep the tree more compact, you can carry out light pruning. Ensure the crown is open, allowing sufficient sunlight to reach the fruit.

Winter care

Ziziphus jujuba ‘Li’ is highly hardy and, once established, can tolerate temperatures of around -15 to -20°C. Young trees in particular should ideally be planted in a sheltered spot during their first few years.

The tree is deciduous and stands bare throughout the winter. In spring, it comes into leaf relatively late; this is part of its natural growth cycle.

For lovers of unusual fruit

‘Li’ is an interesting choice for anyone who, as well as apples, pears and plums, wants to grow lesser-known varieties of fruit. The combination of good hardiness, drought tolerance and exceptionally sweet fruit makes the jujube ideal for a sunny edible garden.