How to Plant Li Jujube Tree

Jujube trees are known for their sweet and crispy fruit, and the li jujube variety is a popular choice for home gardeners who want to grow their own fruit trees. If you're considering adding a li jujube tree to your garden, here's what you need to know about how to plant and care for the tree.

Choosing the Planting Location

The first step in planting a li jujube tree is choosing the right location. Jujube trees need full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should also be well-draining, as jujube trees don't do well in wet conditions. Finally, make sure the area you choose is large enough to accommodate the tree when it's fully grown.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting your li jujube tree, you'll need to prepare the soil. Start by removing any weeds or rocks from the planting area. Next, dig a hole that's twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your jujube tree. Mix some organic material, such as compost or manure, with the soil you removed from the hole.

Planting the Tree

Now it's time to plant your li jujube tree. Place the tree in the center of the hole, and make sure the root ball is level with the ground. Fill in the hole with the soil and organic material mixture, and use your feet to gently tamp the soil down around the base of the tree. Water the tree well, making sure the soil is thoroughly moistened.

Caring for Your Jujube Tree

Once your li jujube tree is planted, it's important to care for it properly. Make sure the tree gets at least one inch of water each week, either from rainfall or irrigation. In the first year after planting, apply a balanced fertilizer to help the young tree establish strong roots. After the first year, you can switch to a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content to encourage growth.

Pruning is also an important part of caring for your li jujube tree. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It's also a good idea to thin out the center of the tree to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Harvesting Your Jujube Fruit

After a few years of care, your li jujube tree should start producing fruit. The fruit will ripen in late summer to early fall, and should be harvested when the skin turns brown and the fruit feels slightly soft to the touch. Before eating or storing the fruit, be sure to wash it thoroughly. Jujube fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in cooking.

By following these steps for planting and caring for your li jujube tree, you can enjoy this delicious fruit right from your own garden. With a little bit of effort and patience, you'll be able to harvest your own sweet jujube fruit for years to come.