Description
Li is a traditional jujube most often grown for drying, valued for dependable production and classic jujube flavor once fully mature.
While it can be eaten fresh at the crisp stage, Li is commonly allowed to brown and sweeten on the tree before harvest. At full maturity, sugars concentrate and flavor deepens, making it well suited for drying and long-term storage.
In mixed plantings, Li is frequently chosen for its versatility and consistency. It has long served as a foundational jujube variety, offering reliable performance across climates and flexibility in how the fruit is used.
Overview
- Traditional jujube most often used for drying
- Sweetens significantly as fruit fully matures
- Can be eaten fresh when harvested crisp
- Self-fertile; improved yield with another jujube nearby
- Dependable, versatile option for mixed plantings
Growing Details
Latin Name: Ziziphus jujuba ’Li’
Primary Use: Drying; fresh eating at earlier stages
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Low chill; exact requirements not well defined
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: 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 and consistent once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Li is often dried even in plantings where fresh eating is possible, as flavor improves noticeably when fruit is allowed to fully brown and sweeten on the tree.
- Regional Insight: Performs well across temperate regions, including cooler climates where dependable mid-season ripening is important.
- For drying, harvest fruit once fully brown and slightly soft.
- Explore more jujube varieties in our collection: Jujube Trees
