Description
Coco (also sold as Sugar Cane) is a fresh-eating jujube selected for clean sweetness and a crisp, enjoyable texture. It has become a popular choice for growers who want fruit that tastes good early, without needing an extended season to finish.
When harvested at the firm, crisp stage, Coco delivers a refreshing bite and straightforward sweetness that makes it easy to enjoy fresh off the tree. If allowed to fully mature and brown, the fruit can also be dried for later use.
In the home orchard, Coco is appreciated for how quickly it comes into production and how consistently it performs. Its early ripening window and dependable fruiting make it a practical choice across a wide range of climates.
Overview
- Fresh-eating jujube with crisp texture
- Clean, approachable sweetness at the firm stage
- Early to early-mid season ripening within jujubes
- Self-fertile; improved yield with a second variety
- Well suited to home orchards and mixed plantings
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ziziphus jujuba ’Coco’
Primary Use: Fresh eating; also suitable for drying
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Low chill; often reported around 150–400 hours
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–10
Rootstock: Grafted onto jujube rootstock
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity: Typically maintained at 10–15 ft tall and wide with pruning
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Ripening Time: Early to early-mid season within jujube varieties; timing varies by region
Pollination: Self-fertile; improved yield with another jujube planted within 20–30 feet
Pests & Diseases: Generally low pressure; routine orchard hygiene recommended
Yield: Reliable producer once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Coco is often enjoyed very early in ripening, making it a favorite for growers who want fresh jujubes without waiting for full maturity.
- Regional Insight: Performs well across many temperate regions, including areas where an early ripening window helps ensure consistent harvests.
- Harvest firm fruit for fresh eating; allow fruit to fully brown for drying and storage.
- Explore more jujube varieties in our collection: Jujube Trees
