Jujube (Sarcomphalus reticulatus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Jujube on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Rhamnaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Jujube
Sarcomphalus reticulatus, commonly known as Jujube, is a thorny deciduous tree or shrub, prized for its edible fruits and resilience. It features an irregular canopy and intricate branches, making it ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens or as a standalone specimen in warm climates. Its small greenish flowers give way to reddish drupes resembling small apples, highly valued for their sweet and slightly tart flavor.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
Jujube thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours daily for good fruit production. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and tolerates poor, even calcareous soils. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, as it is very well adapted to arid conditions.
How to save a dying Jujube
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves falling, fruits not ripening or shriveling.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture; ensure it gets full sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering or constant shade. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and correct conditions. It's a resilient plant.