GA 866 jujube trees are celebrated for their large, elongated fruit with dense, crisp flesh and exceptional sweetness. Known as one of the sweetest Chinese date varieties, GA 866 is perfect for fresh eating or drying into chewy, date-like snacks with a delightful date flavor. This partially self-fruitful variety benefits from planting near other jujube trees, such as Li or Lang, for increased fruit production. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, GA 866 is highly drought-tolerant and performs well in hot climates. With its vigorous growth, fine lacy foliage, and high yields, GA 866 is a favorite for both home gardeners and commercial orchards. Its rich flavor, excellent texture, and reliable productivity make it a premium choice for jujube enthusiasts.

• Standard rootstock
• Zones: 5-9
• Chill hours: 200
• Harvest: September 10 - October 20
• Looks: Two-inch elongated fruit is incredibly sweet with an apple-like flavor
• Personality: Elongated fruit
• Facts of note: Tree is precocious, hardy, drought resistant, virtually pest and disease free. Requires long, hot summer. Very low chill requirement.
• Pollination: Partly self-fruitful. Pollenized by any other jujube.

The Ga-866 JuJube tree, also known as Ziziphus jujuba, is a special fruit tree. It teaches us about ancient fruit cultivation methods. The tree provides insight into how people grew fruit in the past. Revered for its historical significance, unique fruit, and adaptability, the Ga-866 Jujube tree has found a special place in modern gardens.

Jujube trees, native to tropical regions, are increasingly cultivated in the United States for their abundant fruit production. Unlike citrus fruits commonly found in grocery stores, jujubes offer a unique flavor profile. They are renowned for their nutrition, as their fruit is high in vitamins and minerals.

These trees thrive in warmer climates and produce an abundance of small, sweet fruits, which can be enjoyed fresh or dried. With their rising popularity, jujube trees are becoming a favored addition to home gardens and orchards across the country.

Jujubes, also known as Chinese dates, are tropical fruit trees known for their prolific fruit production. These trees bear small, round fruits that resemble dates and offer a delightful sweetness. While they can be consumed fresh, jujubes are often enjoyed dried, resembling chewy candies with a unique flavor. Cross-pollination is key for optimal fruit production, encouraging the exchange of pollen between different varieties of jujube trees. With their ability to thrive in warm climates and produce bountiful harvests, jujube trees are becoming increasingly popular choices for home orchards and gardens.

Unveiling the Ga-866 Jujube Tree:

1. Origin: Jujube trees have a long history of cultivation dating back thousands of years, primarily in China. The Ga-866 variety reflects an ancient tradition, linking us to the past.

2. Size and Growth Habit: Ga-866 Jujube trees are typically small to medium-sized, making them suitable for both small and large gardens. They have a rounded and somewhat spreading growth habit, with an appealing canopy of shiny green leaves.

3. Fruit: The star attraction of the Ga-866 Jujube tree is its unique fruit. Jujubes are small, round or oblong, and often resemble dates. They start as green and turn brown when fully ripe. The fruit has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with a crisp, apple-like texture.

4. Adaptability: Ga-866 Jujube trees exhibit adaptability to a wide range of climates and soil types. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil but can tolerate drought and less-than-ideal conditions.

Cultivating Ga-866 Jujube Trees:

1. Location: Plant Ga-866 Jujube tree in a sunny spot in garden with 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.

2. Zone:The GA 866 Jujube Tree thrives in USDA zones 5-9, performing best in warmer climates with hot summer conditions and well-drained soil. This jujube variety, known for its sweet apple-like flavor and highest sugar contents, produces tasty fruit that can be eaten fresh or dried to resemble dates. While considered self-fertile, planting multiple trees or ensuring cross pollination can result in heavier crops, particularly during mid to late summer, leading to a bountiful harvest in early fall.

3. Chill Hours:The GA 866 Jujube requires approximately 200 chill hours to ensure optimal fruit production, making it well-suited for warmer climates in USDA zones 5-9. This jujube variety, known for its sweet apple-like flavor and crisp texture, thrives in well-drained soil with full sun. While considered self-fertile, planting multiple trees or encouraging cross pollination can result in heavier crops, with its reddish-brown fruit ripening from mid to late summer into early fall.

4. Sunlight:The GA 866 Jujube Tree thrives in full sun, a key factor for maximizing fruit production and achieving its signature sweet apple-like flavor and crisp texture. This jujube variety, known for its reddish-brown fruit that can be eaten fresh or dried to resemble dates, performs best in warmer climates with hot summer conditions. While considered self-fertile, planting multiple trees or encouraging cross pollination enhances the yield of this great variety, ensuring abundant tasty fruit from mid to late summer into early fall.

5. Planting: Plant your Ga-866 Jujube tree in the spring, ensuring there is 15-20 feet of space between multiple trees for good growth and air circulation. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, and water thoroughly after planting.

6. Pruning: Pruning your jujube tree can help shape it, promote healthy growth, and improve fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant.

7. Watering: Jujube trees are drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering during the first few years is essential for healthy root development. Deep watering less often is preferable to shallow, frequent watering.

8. Fertilization: Ga-866 Jujube trees benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. However, avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.

Harvesting and Culinary Uses:

1. Harvesting: Ga-866 Jujubes are typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall. You can tell they are ripe when they turn brown, feel slightly wrinkled, and have a sweet aroma. They should have a crispy texture, similar to apples.

2. Fresh Consumption: Fresh Ga-866 Jujubes are delightful to eat as a snack or incorporated into salads and desserts. Their sweet and slightly tangy flavor makes them a unique addition to your fruit repertoire.

3. Drying: Jujubes are often dried, similar to dates, which intensifies their sweetness and extends their shelf life. Dried jujubes can be used in various culinary creations, including trail mixes and baked goods.

4. Jujube Tea: In some cultures, jujubes are used to make a soothing and flavorful tea. Simply steep dried jujubes in hot water for a calming and fragrant beverage.

The Ga-866 Jujube tree brings the rich history and unique flavors of ancient fruit cultivation to modern gardens. With its adaptability, attractive appearance, and delicious fruit, this tree is an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners. Whether you enjoy the jujubes fresh, dried, or as a tea, the Ga-866 Jujube tree promises a delightful culinary journey while connecting you to the roots of horticultural history.

Why Buy GA 866 Jujube Tree From Us?

The GA 866 Jujube Tree thrives in full sun, a key factor for maximizing fruit production and achieving its signature sweet apple-like flavor and crisp texture. This jujube variety, known for its reddish-brown fruit that can be eaten fresh or dried to resemble dates, performs best in warmer climates with hot summer conditions. While considered self-fertile, planting multiple trees or encouraging cross pollination enhances the yield of this great variety, ensuring abundant tasty fruit from mid to late summer into early fall.

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The Jujube originated in China and its fruits are often referred to as Chinese Dates. It withstands wide ranging temperatures; from over 100° F in summertime to -28° F during winter dormancy. Require minimal chill and plentiful summer sun and heat to set fruit. A small, deciduous tree, growing 20-40 feet, it is well protected from late spring frosts by delayed budding. Prefer sandy, well-drained soils and while tolerating many soil types, do less well in heavy, poorly drained soil. Drought tolerant, but better crop with regular water. Winter prune to maintain plant health. Few pest problems. Immature fruit is green and ripens to yellow-green with mahogany-colored spots and becomes red, softening and wrinkling when fully ripe. Most prefer eating before fully ripe. High in Vitamin C. Please note that Jujube trees have thorns. Suggested plant spacing is 10 feet apart.

Please Note: Although most of our bare-root trees arrive to our warehouse in mid-December, there are a few varieties that will not arrive until mid-January. If you order any of those varieties along with varieties that arrive in mid-December, your order will be delayed for shipment until mid-January. If you'd like us to split your shipments, please contact us at (888) 784-1722 or orderdesk@groworganic.com. Additional shipping charges will apply.

Cannot ship to the following states: HI, AK, PR, GU, VI

Shipping Weight: 5.0 lb

Dimensions: 47.5"L x 7.3"W x 2.75"H

• Bare Root
• Suited to Warmer Climates