How to Germinate Jujube Seeds

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), a small deciduous tree, has been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Jujube grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet and thrives in the hot sun. It blooms in yellow flowers from March to May, and the fruits are ready to harvest from July to November.

Pick the jujube fruit in November. Remove the stone from the center of the fruit, and scrub it under running water to remove any excess pulp.

Moisten a handful of sand, push the jujube seed into it and place it in a plastic sandwich bag. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator where it should remain for 90 days. Check the sand periodically to make sure that it remains moist.

Plant the stone 1 inch deep in a sunny area of the landscape in the spring, when the outside temperatures are over 60 degrees F. Cover the seed with soil and keep the soil moist, but not saturated. If you are planting more than one jujube tree, plant the seeds 15 feet apart.