Red Date Seeds (Ziziphus jujuba, Premium Chinese Jujube)

Description:
The Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as Red Date or Ber, is a deciduous tree revered for its nutritious and sweet-tasting fruits. Native to China, this premium variety produces larger, juicier fruits compared to common jujube trees. Known for its versatility and resilience, the Chinese Jujube thrives in diverse climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners and orchardists. The tree is cherished for its ornamental value, fragrant flowers, and nutrient-rich fruits widely used in culinary and medicinal applications.

Key Features:
• Tree Characteristics:
• A medium-sized deciduous tree, growing 5–12 meters in height.
• Features thorny branches and shiny, ovate green leaves that turn golden in autumn.
• Produces small, fragrant greenish-yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
• Fruit Features:
• Large, oval to oblong fruits with smooth, glossy red skin that darkens as they ripen.
• The flesh is sweet, crisp, and chewy when fresh, becoming softer and more date-like when dried.
• Fruits are rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
• Hardiness:
• Thrives in arid and semi-arid climates, tolerating temperatures from -10°C to 40°C.
• Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for challenging environments.

Cultivation Instructions:
• Climate Requirements:
• Prefers warm, sunny climates but can tolerate mild frost.
• Performs best in regions with long, hot summers and low humidity.
• Soil Preference:
• Grows well in well-drained sandy, loamy, or slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.5–8.0.
• Adaptable to less fertile soils but benefits from organic amendments for improved yields.
• Planting Instructions:
• Scarify seeds by lightly sanding their hard coat to improve germination.
• Soak seeds in water for 24–48 hours before planting.
• Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep in nutrient-rich soil and maintain consistent moisture.
• Germination typically occurs within 3–4 weeks under warm conditions.
• Watering:
• Water regularly during the first two years of growth.
• Mature trees require minimal watering, relying on natural rainfall in most climates.
• Pruning:
• Prune annually in late winter to shape the tree, remove dead wood, and improve airflow.

Uses and Benefits:
• Culinary:
• Fresh fruits are enjoyed as a snack for their crisp texture and sweet flavor.
• Dried jujubes are used in teas, soups, desserts, and traditional Chinese recipes.
• Medicinal:
• Jujube fruits are renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for their calming properties and immune-boosting benefits.
• Used to support digestion, improve sleep, and enhance vitality.
• Gardening:
• Ideal for home orchards and landscapes, offering both fruit and ornamental value.
• Nutritional Value:
• High in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Historical Note:
The Chinese Jujube has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Often referred to as the “fruit of immortality,” it holds a significant place in traditional medicine and cuisine.

Shipping Information:
Deodar Seeds ensures that all seeds are carefully selected and packaged to maintain their freshness and viability. Seeds are shipped within India and internationally, with delivery typically within 1–2 weeks.

From Deodar Seeds Company.