Jujube / Chinese Date (Ziziphus jujuba) FANG YUAN NO. 1

Jujube / Chinese Date (Ziziphus jujuba) 'Fang Yuan No. 1'

A true giant among jujubes with massive premium-quality fruits, nearly thornless shoots, and extreme Vitamin C content.

The 'Fang Yuan No. 1' variety represents a new generation of modern Chinese jujubes that push the boundaries of fruit cultivation. It is a unique selection that impresses with its extraordinarily large fruits while maintaining the traditional honey sweetness and crunchy texture. With its nearly thornless shoots and high frost resistance, it is an ideal choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, highly productive, and aesthetically pleasing tree.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Gigantic Fruits: One of the largest varieties on the market with an average fruit weight of up to 68 g.
• Vitamin Powerhouse: Extremely high Vitamin C content (more than 500 mg / 100 g).
• Scratch-Free Harvest: Shoots are nearly thornless, making maintenance and picking effortless.
• Frost Resistance: Late budding (late April) protects the crop from late spring frosts.
• High tolerance to drought, diseases, and pests (ideal for 100% organic growing).

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: China (renowned Taigu region, Shanxi province). A modern selection focused on maximizing fruit size and nutritional value.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor and Habit: Medium vigor and semi-upright growth, reaching a height of 3 to 4 meters. It looks very elegant with its glossy leaves and airy crown.
• Flowering: Blooms gradually and for a very long time (from late May to August), ensuring a stable harvest even during weather fluctuations.
• Pollination: Partially self-fertile. While it fruits individually, planting another jujube variety nearby is recommended for maximum yields.

Fruit

• Size and Shape: Exceptionally large, broadly oval fruits. The average weight is an impressive 68 g.
• Color and Flesh: The skin changes from green to mahogany or chestnut brown. The flesh is creamy white, firm, and deliciously crisp.
• Flavor: Exceptionally sweet with minimal acidity and a subtle honey aroma.
• Pit: Despite the fruit's size, it contains only one small, slender pit.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: High wood hardiness down to -25 °C (-13 °F).
• Drought: Jujubes are known for their extreme resistance to drought and heat, thriving even in poorer soils.
• Health: Naturally resistant to pests and diseases, allowing for cultivation entirely without chemical sprays.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Location: Requires the warmest and sunniest spot in the garden to achieve the highest sugar content.
• Use: Fruits are excellent fresh off the tree. When dried, they resemble sweet dates and can be stored for many months.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Fruits ripen gradually from mid-September through October.
• Yield Onset: Very early, usually begins bearing fruit in the 2nd year after planting.