A Unique Fruit Tree for Your Home Orchard
If you’re looking for a new fruit tree to add to your garden, look no further than the Empress Gee Jujube. This Korean cultivar boasts larger, sweeter, and deeper-red fruits than other varieties.
If you haven’t tried Jujube fruit before, you’re in for a treat. They have a crisp, tart flavor similar to apples, but with a single stone instead of multiple seeds. They can be enjoyed fresh or dried and are used around the world for their health benefits in teas, wines, and juices.
In addition to its tasty fruits, the Empress Gee Jujube tree is a stunning year-round specimen. Its glossy green foliage and gently sloping branches create an attractive silhouette that only becomes more impressive in summer and fall when the tree produces abundant white flowers that transform into red fruits in October.
Although the Empress Gee Jujube is a smaller, compact tree, it packs a punch when it comes to fruit production. With its fast growth rate, it can reach peak fruit production in just a few years and can live up to 50 years.
Furthermore, this tree is a hardy grower that can tolerate some drought once established and can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees. It is also naturally resistant to pests and disease, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Planting & Care
Planting: For optimal growth, your Empress Gee Jujube tree should be planted in well-draining soil and given full to partial sun exposure (4-8 hours per day). To begin, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Carefully place your tree in the hole, back fill with soil, and lightly tamp down to remove any air pockets. Finally, water thoroughly to settle the soil. We recommend mulching the surrounding area, but be sure to keep the mulch from touching the base of the trunk.
Watering: While established trees can withstand some drought, it’s important to water your Empress Gee Jujube tree regularly during the establishment period and to increase fruit yield. Check the soil 2-3 inches down and water when it feels dry to the touch.
Pruning: Your Empress Gee Jujube tree may produce suckers (small sprouts) from the roots that should be removed at or below the soil level. To promote greater air flow and light throughout the tree, prune during the dormant season to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Harvesting: The Empress Gee Jujube tree will produce fruit that changes from dark green to yellow-green and then to a deep reddish-brown in the fall. For fresh eating, pick the jujubes when the skin begins to change color and the flesh is still crisp. If you prefer to dry the fruit, wait until the skin wrinkles and the color changes to deep red.
