“Classic large-fruited variety. Productive, dependable, and unbothered by Arizona summers.”
Background
A named Chinese cultivar introduced to the United States in 1908 by USDA agricultural explorer Frank N. Meyer, as part of the first group of commercial jujube cultivars sent to the Plant Introduction Field Station at Chico, California. From there it was distributed to other USDA stations and is now the dominant jujube cultivar in the U.S. trade.
Distinguishing traits
Large round fruit (~1.5 in), sweet and crisp like an apple when fresh, date-like when dried; pick yellow-green and it ripens off the tree to red mahogany. Considered one of the most self-fertile jujube varieties, making it a good single-tree choice. Afternoon blooming type (per HortScience bloom study). Glossy green leaves; thorny branches typical of the species.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Very low; exact figure not verified in this research (most trade sources cite roughly 150-200 for common cultivars)
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about -20°F (USDA zones 5-10; some sellers list 6-9)
- Heat tolerance
- Explicitly described as ideal for hot, arid regions; unbothered by 110°F+ summers
- Water
- Very drought tolerant once established; water regularly during establishment and during fruit development for best crops
- Soil
- Tolerates poor and alkaline soils; needs good drainage, dislikes standing water
- Sun exposure
- Full sun (8+ hours)
Where to buy
- Gurney's Seed & Nursery Co.
- Bay Laurel Nursery