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Jujube in Michigan? #860655

Asked March 06, 2024, 8:18 AM EST

Hello. Will Jujube (Chinese date) grow, set fruit, and ripen fruit appropriately in the Lansing area? Could they tolerate an unseasonably cold freeze? I've seen some companies indicate that these trees will tolerate our grow zone but it isn't clear to me if they will thrive or develop mature fruit.

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Robert,

Jujube usually prefers a hot and dry climate. The tree may survive, but it's not likely to thrive. We may not get enough heat accumulation in Michigan to properly ripen fruit. You would need to find a cultivar that is both cold hardy and ripens early. If it is planted in a protected area that is a little more resistant to temperature extremes it would stand a better chance.

If a freeze is unseasonable, then there may be damage to fruit or flowers, which is also the case for temperate fruits and fruits that are commonly grown in Michigan (e.g. apples, peaches, etc.).


In short it may be possible to keep the tree alive and even get some fruit, but I wouldn't count on consistent production or ripening potential.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 06, 2024, 9:54 AM EST

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