Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the buckthorn family. Jujube is a valuable fruit crop that produces fruits with a pleasant taste and a rich vitamin and mineral composition.
Jujube is native to subtropical and tropical regions, but it grows best in regions with warm, humid climates.

1. Variety selection
When choosing a jujube variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation. For cultivation as a fruit crop, varieties with high yields and good quality fruits are selected.
- Winter hardiness. Some varieties of jujube can tolerate short-term frosts, while others require shelter for the winter.

2. Soil preparation
Jujube is a light-loving and drought-resistant plant, so to grow it you need to prepare a sunny and well-drained place.
The soil for planting jujube must be fertile and neutral or slightly acidic.

3. Landing
Jujube seedlings are planted in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed.
Seedlings are planted in planting holes with a depth and diameter of 60-70 cm. A layer of drainage made of broken brick or crushed stone is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. The seedlings are planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly.

4. Plant care
Jujube is an unpretentious plant, but to obtain a good harvest the following measures must be taken:
- Watering. Jujube is a drought-tolerant plant, but it is necessary to water the plants regularly during the growing season, especially in hot weather.
- Feeding. During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
- Trimming. To form the crown of jujube, pruning is carried out. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
- Protection from pests and diseases. Jujube is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To protect plants from pests and diseases, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments.

5. Harvest
Jujube begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. Jujube fruits ripen in September-October. The ripening of jujube fruits is determined by their characteristic color and softness. Jujube fruits are harvested by hand, cutting them off with the stalk.

6. Diseases and pests
Jujube is susceptible to the following diseases:
- Cercospora
- Powdery mildew
- Scab

Jujube is susceptible to the following pests:
- Aphids
- Jujube aphid
- Jujube spider mite

Additional Tips
- To obtain an earlier jujube harvest, you can grow it as seedlings. Jujube seedlings are grown at home or in greenhouses.
- To increase the yield of jujube, you can grow it next to other crops that repel pests.

Notes
- To grow jujube in open ground in regions with cold climates, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant varieties.
- To protect jujube from pests and diseases, it is necessary to use insecticides and fungicides.
- To obtain a good jujube harvest, it is necessary to follow the watering and fertilizing regime.

Jujube is a valuable fruit crop