Containers are not the ideal growth environment for the Chinese date or jujube (Ziziphus jujube), but gardeners can succeed in growing the fruit in large containers, provided they follow the same care routine as for in-ground plants. The fruits' need of low winter chill and love of summer sun make them well suited to areas with mild winters and hot summers. Jujubes grow readily in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 6 to 9 and can tolerate cold down to 28 degrees below Fahrenheit.
Instructions
1. Soak a bare root jujube tree in a bucket of water for several hours before planting. If you have a balled and burlapped tree instead, skip this step.
2. Fill with potting soil halfway a large container with drainage holes, such as a half wine barrel. If your wine barrel lacks drainage holes, use an electric drill to make your own before planting.
3. Remove your jujube from its container and gently unwind and untangle the roots in preparation for planting. Place the jujube in the container, spreading its roots out against the soil. Pour more potting soil into the container, pressing it around the plant roots and trunk. Add potting soil until the jujube is buried at the same depth as it was in the container, pressing the soil to compact it gently.
4. Water the plant thoroughly to saturate the soil. Thereafter, give 1 inch of water per week. Jujubes can tolerate drought, but regular watering ensures quality fruit.
5. Move the container with the jujube to a sunny location, since this is where these trees grow best.
6. Prune your tree just after planting to a height of 3 to 4 feet and remove any side branches. Thereafter, prune in late winter to early spring to control the plant's size and remove undesirable growth. Prune dead, diseased or damaged branches. Trim back the tips of long branches and clip limbs from areas of dense growth to promote better air circulation and easier harvesting of fruit. While extensive pruning is not necessary, it does help keep a container tree in check.
7. Harvest fruit when it ripens, turning from green to red. Some prefer the fruit when it is brown and not fully red, while others may prefer an all-red specimen.
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