Tigertooth Jujube

Tigertooth jujube (aka Silverhill)
Botanical name: Ziziphus jujuba
Other names: jujube, Chinese date, red date

A tough, heat-loving fruit tree that thrives in Perth’s dry, sandy soils. Jujubes handle wind, drought, and alkaline ground, then reward you with crisp, sweet fruit that eat like small apples fresh and dry to a chewy “date.” Silver Hill is a grafted selection.  Late season with firm, sweet flesh.

Features

• Ideal prune height: 2–3.5 m for easy picking
• pH range: 6.0–8.5 (tolerates alkaline sands)
• Sun: full sun, open position
• Minimum pot size by year 5: 45–75 L
• Time to fruit: 1–2 years on grafted plants
• Harvest period: late summer to autumn in Perth (roughly Feb–April)
• Notable traits: very drought and heat tolerant; self-fertile but heavier with a second variety; few pests in WA

Growing and care

Plant in full sun with airflow. Dig wide, add coarse compost, a handful of rock minerals, and mineral magic. Water deeply the first summer, then taper—jujubes prefer dry feet once established. Prune in winter to an open vase at 2–2.5 m, tipping new shoots after fruiting to keep fruiting wood young. Mulch lightly (keep trunk clear). Suits coastal sands and inland heat. Good in large pots if you keep up water in summer.

Why this plant

If you want a near-bulletproof fruit tree that laughs at Perth summers, this is it. Easy care, reliable crops, fresh or dried fruit, and great for small spaces.

Call or visit to secure yours. Limited stock. Pick-up Parkwood by appointment, or order online for delivery.

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