Description
Ziziphus jujuba 'Sugar Cane'
Common Name: Sugar Cane Jujube
Botanical Name: Ziziphus jujuba 'Sugar Cane'
Family: Rhamnaceae
Grafted Plant : YES
Description:
Ziziphus jujuba 'Sugar Cane', commonly known as the Sugar Cane Jujube, is a deciduous fruit tree known for its sweet, crisp, and juicy fruits. This cultivar is particularly valued for its high sugar content, which gives the fruit a pleasant, honey-like flavor. The tree can reach heights of 15-30 feet with a spread of about 10-15 feet, making it a medium-sized tree suitable for various garden settings.
Leaves: The leaves are glossy, dark green, and ovate, typically 1-2 inches long. They have a smooth texture with a slightly serrated margin and turn yellow in the fall before dropping.
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, and greenish-yellow in color, the flowers of the Sugar Cane Jujube appear in late spring to early summer. They are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees.
Fruit: The fruits are small, oval to round, and about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. When immature, the skin is green and turns a reddish-brown as it ripens. The flesh is white, crunchy, and exceptionally sweet, with a taste reminiscent of apples. The fruit contains a single hard seed.
Growth Conditions:
Sunlight: Full sun is preferred for optimal fruit production and growth.
Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and well-drained soils. It tolerates poor soil conditions but prefers slightly alkaline soils.
Water: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, though regular watering can enhance fruit quality and yield.
Climate: Thrives in warm temperate to subtropical
Care:
Pruning: Prune to shape and remove dead or crossing branches in late winter to early spring.
Pests/Diseases: Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, though it can occasionally be affected by jujube witches' broom disease or fruit fly infestations.
Uses: The Sugar Cane Jujube is grown primarily for its fruit, which can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in cooking and baking. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine and is known for its nutritional benefits, including high vitamin C content.
This cultivar's adaptability, ease of care, and delicious fruit make it an excellent choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers looking for a unique and productive fruit tree.