Watering Jujube Trees
Set up a regular watering schedule for your jujube tree, especially during the growing season. Young trees need more frequent watering than established ones.
NOTE: This is part 7 in a series of 8 articles. For a complete background on how to grow jujube trees, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Deep Watering: Provide deep and thorough watering rather than frequent shallow watering. Deep watering encourages the development of a deep root system, making the tree more resilient to drought.
Soil Moisture Check: Regularly check the moisture level of the soil. Insert your finger into the soil about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) deep. If it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the jujube tree, leaving a gap around the trunk. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Morning Watering: Water in the morning to allow the soil to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. This helps reduce water loss through evaporation and allows the tree to absorb water efficiently.
Avoid Overwatering: Jujube trees are drought-tolerant and do not like waterlogged soil. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Adjust for Seasonal Changes: Adjust your watering frequency based on seasonal changes. Jujube trees may require more water during hot and dry periods and less during the dormant season.
Monitor Rainfall: Take into account natural rainfall when determining your watering schedule. Reduce watering during periods of consistent rain and increase it during dry spells.
Water Newly Planted Trees Carefully: Newly planted jujube trees require more attention. Water them more frequently during the establishment period to support root development.
Drip Irrigation or Soaker Hoses: Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient and targeted watering. These methods deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing water wastage.
Cease Watering Before Dormancy: Reduce watering in the weeks leading up to dormancy in late fall. This helps the tree prepare for winter and minimizes the risk of diseases associated with excessive moisture.
Adjust for Container-Grown Trees: If growing jujube trees in containers, monitor soil moisture more frequently, as containers tend to dry out faster than garden soil.
