Autumn Beauty™ Jujube

Autumn Beauty™ is a large-fruited, early-ripening jujube with crisp, juicy fruit and a sweet, pleasantly spicy, apple-like flavour. The round to oval fruit can reach close to 2 inches across, making it notably large for such an early-ripening cultivar. It is excellent eaten fresh while crisp and can also be allowed to fully ripen or dried for a sweeter, date-like treat.

Also known as 'Qi Yue Xian', Autumn Beauty™ has a relatively compact growth habit and is a good option for smaller gardens. An unusual feature of this cultivar is its developing fruit, which can emerge dark reddish-purple before turning green as it grows, then gradually colour reddish-brown as it ripens. Like other jujubes, the tree is highly tolerant of heat and drought once established and produces small, fragrant flowers that attract pollinating insects.

Common names: Autumn Beauty™ Jujube, Qi Yue Xian Jujube, Chinese Date, Red Date

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: Early season (early to mid fall)

Scientific name: Ziziphus jujuba 'Qi Yue Xian' (aka Autumn Beauty™)
Light requirements: Full sun 
Full-grown size: 12-15' tall 
Hardiness: Zone 5
Pollination: Self-fertile, though cross-pollination with another variety can increase yields.
Wildlife: Fallen fruit may be eaten by mammals, though the tree itself is quite resilient to pests. 
Origin: Native to China and cultivar bred in China.
Noteworthy: Large fruit that ripen early. Heat-loving and drought tolerant once established.