Jujube trees, sometimes called Chinese date trees, are one of the most underappreciated fruit trees available to home gardeners and orchard growers. Known for their crisp, sweet fruit, exceptional drought tolerance, and ability to thrive where many other fruit trees struggle, jujubes are increasingly being planted across the United States. While jujube trees are extremely hardy once established, planting them at the correct time plays a major role in how quickly they settle in and how well they perform long term.

The best time to plant jujube trees depends on your state’s climate, soil temperature, and frost patterns. Jujube trees are deciduous and slow to wake up in spring, which makes correct planting timing especially important. Planting too early or too late can delay establishment and reduce early growth. Understanding when to plant jujube trees in your state gives your tree the best possible start.

Why Planting Time Matters for Jujube Trees

Jujube trees naturally leaf out later than most fruit trees. According to research shared by the University of Georgia Extension, jujubes require warm soil temperatures before active root growth begins. Planting during the correct window allows roots to establish before the tree begins pushing top growth, which reduces transplant shock and improves survival.

Planting jujube trees at the proper time helps ensure:

• Stronger root establishment
• Reduced transplant stress
• Improved drought tolerance
• Better cold resilience after establishment
• Earlier and more consistent fruit production

Because jujubes are long-lived trees that can produce fruit for decades, getting the planting timing right from the beginning is especially important.

Best Time to Plant Jujube Trees in Northern States

States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire

Best Planting Time: Late April through May

In northern states with long winters and late spring frosts, jujube trees should only be planted once the soil has fully thawed and the risk of hard freezes has passed. Late April through May is ideal. The University of Minnesota Extension notes that planting too early into cold soil can slow root development in warm-soil trees such as jujube.

Fall planting is generally discouraged in these regions because jujube trees need a full growing season to establish before winter returns.

Best Time to Plant Jujube Trees in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

States: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland

Best Planting Time: Late March through April

These regions provide moderate spring temperatures that are well suited for jujube establishment. Planting in early to mid-spring allows roots to settle in before summer heat arrives. According to Penn State Extension, spring planting is preferred for deep-rooted fruit trees to reduce stress and encourage early root growth.

Fall planting can work in well-drained soils, but spring planting remains the most reliable option.

Best Time to Plant Jujube Trees in the Southeast

States: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas

Best Planting Time: December through February

The Southeast offers one of the longest planting windows for jujube trees. Mild winters allow planting throughout the dormant season. Winter planting gives jujube trees time to establish roots before spring growth begins, resulting in stronger trees and faster early development.

The USDA Forest Service notes that jujube trees are highly adaptable in southern climates when planted during dormancy.

Best Time to Plant Jujube Trees in Texas, Oklahoma & the Gulf States

States: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida

Best Planting Time: December through February

These regions warm quickly in spring, making winter planting ideal. Establishing roots early allows jujube trees to handle summer heat and drought more effectively. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, jujube trees planted during dormancy show improved survival and stronger early growth.

Best Time to Plant Jujube Trees in the Midwest

States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska

Best Planting Time: March through April

The Midwest experiences variable spring weather, so timing is critical. Jujube trees should be planted once soil temperatures begin to rise and extended freezes are unlikely. The University of Missouri Extension recommends early spring planting for fruit trees that require warm soil to establish properly.

Best Time to Plant Jujube Trees in the Upper South & Appalachian Regions

States: Virginia, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee

Best Planting Time: February through April

Moderate winters and reliable spring rainfall make these regions well suited for jujube trees. Planting in late winter or early spring supports strong root development before summer heat arrives.

General Rule of Thumb for All States

If you are unsure about the best planting time in your area, follow this guideline supported by multiple extension services:

Plant jujube trees while dormant and after the coldest part of winter has passed.

This timing minimizes stress and allows roots to establish before active growth begins.

Planting Tips for Jujube Trees

Sunlight

Jujube trees require full sun for best growth and fruit production. Choose a location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. Jujube trees tolerate poor soils better than most fruit trees but do not perform well in standing water.

Spacing

Space jujube trees 15–20 feet apart to allow for mature canopy development and airflow.

Watering

Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.

Why Starting With Quality Jujube Trees Matters

Jujube trees are extremely long-lived and can produce fruit for many decades. Starting with healthy, well-grown trees ensures faster establishment, fewer problems, and stronger long-term performance.

Why Customers Choose Ty Ty Nursery to Buy Jujube Trees

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