Ziziphus jujuba Coco™

Coco Jujube plant (Ziziphus jujuba Coco™) is a distinctive small deciduous tree that produces delicious 3–5 cm jujube fruits. Also known as the Coco Chinese Date, its fruit ripens to a beautiful golden-brown colour and offers a sweet, coconut-like flavour. Jujubes can be enjoyed while crisp, much like an apple, or left to soften to a chewy, date-like texture. Although the fruit resembles that of the date palm and contains a central stone, the two species are not related.

Jujube fruit is highly nutritious, boasting high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals, and it has a long history of use in traditional Asian medicine. Eat Coco Jujubes fresh - simply eat around the pit or slice for fruit salads - or allow them to soften and use like dates or raisins in baking. Traditionally, jujubes have been juiced, candied, cooked, smoked, and made into syrups, wines, and marmalades, making them an exceptionally versatile fruit in the kitchen.

Beyond its edible yield, Coco Jujube plant is also a striking ornamental tree. It features a graceful, drooping habit with somewhat spiny branches and remains compact, making it suitable for small gardens or even large containers when kept pruned. Its greyish bark and attractive branching provide notable winter interest after the leaves have fallen.

The green, ovate leaves are alternately arranged and turn yellow in autumn. While the small greenish-yellow flowers are not particularly showy, they bloom over several months and serve as an excellent nectar source for pollinators. The flowers are partially self-fertile, though planting another variety - such as Ziziphus jujuba ‘Autumn Beauty’- nearby will improve fruit set and size. Coco Chinese Date typically begins bearing fruit in its second or third year, with good yields developing after four to five years. Jujube trees are remarkably long-lived, with commercial trees producing fruit for 50 years or more. Notably, there is a jujube tree in Shandong Province, China, reported to be over 1,000 years old and still fruiting annually.

Coco Chinese Jujube tree prefers a sunny location and develops a deep taproot, becoming drought-tolerant once established. They are generally tough and easy to care for, though for best fruit production, the soil should be consistently moist and well-drained. Coco Chinese Date is cold-hardy to Zone 5a (-29 °C) and is typically free from serious pests and diseases.

With its reliable, nutritious harvest and attractive ornamental qualities, Ziziphus jujuba Coco™ is a rewarding and versatile addition to any plant collection.