Jujube, Lang

Jujube, Lang (Ziziphus jujuba 'Lang')

The Lang jujube is a highly regarded cultivar known for its large, pear-shaped fruit with a mild, sweet flavor. Unlike many other jujube varieties, Lang is best enjoyed dried, where its chewy texture and rich, date-like sweetness shine. This drought-tolerant and heat-loving tree thrives in a variety of climates, making it a reliable choice for home orchards and permaculture systems. Though Lang is partially self-fertile, planting it with another jujube variety, such as Li, improves fruit set and overall yields.

Key Characteristics

• Unique pear-shaped fruit
  The large, pear-shaped fruits have a mild, sweet flavor when fresh and develop a rich, date-like sweetness and chewy texture when dried. Ideal for snacking, desserts, and long-term storage.

• Perfect for drying
  While it can be eaten fresh, Lang jujubes are especially prized for drying, offering a naturally sweet, shelf-stable treat without the need for added sugars.

• Drought-tolerant and heat-loving
  Native to arid regions, Lang thrives in hot, dry climates and well-draining soils, making it a resilient choice for water-wise gardens and orchards.

• Compact and ornamental
  With its attractive, glossy foliage and manageable size (15-20 feet), Lang is ideal for edible landscaping and smaller spaces. The tree's flowers also attract pollinators.

• Enhanced yields with a pollination partner
  While partially self-fertile, planting Lang with a pollination partner like Li boosts fruit production and ensures a larger harvest.

Product Details

• Native Range: China (cultivated for over 4,000 years)
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium-dry to medium, well-draining; tolerates sandy, loamy, or slightly alkaline soils
• Mature Height: 15-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring (May to June)
• Bloom Color: Yellow-green
• Fruit Qualities: Mildly sweet when fresh, chewy and date-like when dried
• Fruit Uses: Drying, fresh eating, desserts, long-term storage
• Fruit Ripening Month: Late summer to early fall (August to September)
• Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile; yields improve with a pollination partner (Li recommended)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-10
• Winter chilling: Very low chill, approximately 150–250 hours.

Key Takeaways for Garden Success

Plant Lang in full sun with well-draining, medium-dry to medium soil. Pair with another jujube variety like Li for improved pollination and increased fruit yields. Prune lightly to shape and promote healthy growth.