Page 27 - Edible Trees For Tucson

they also form thickets easily and may be used as
hedges or windbreaks to protect other trees.
• Chill hours: 50-700 hours, depending on
cultivar
• Height/Width: 20-40 feet tall, with a canopy
diameter of 12 feet
• Lifespan: 100+ years
• Water needs: The trees are extremely drought
tolerant. If soils are well drained, they may live
in humid areas. In arid regions, irrigation will
increase yields.
• Soils: Can tolerate a wide variety of soils
• Microclimates: Warm to hot summer, full sun,
frost-tolerant to at least -10ºF.
• Pollination: Most jujubes require cross
pollination. Even the self-pollinating cultivars
will produce higher yields if cross pollinated.

CARE
• Jujube trees require pruning to keep them
shaped and to prevent suckering.
• Jujubes have few insect or disease problems.

H AR VES T
The jujube fruits can be eaten fresh, dried,
smoked, cooked or baked, like apples or dates.
They can be made into sauce, fruit butter, jams
and jellies. The
fermented pulp can
be used to make an
alcoholic beverage.
Harvest fruits from
mid-summer until
the end of the
growing season.
Fresh fruits do not
keep well (about
a week), but dried
fruits can last for
months in a cool,
dry environment.

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