Jujube
Li Pollination Guide
Li can set some fruit on its own, but produces significantly better crops with a pollination partner.
While Li has some ability to self-pollinate, you'll get noticeably larger harvests and better fruit quality with a compatible variety planted nearby. For the best results, plant one of the recommended partners within 50–100 feet.
Li Quick Facts
Chill Hours
100 hours
Hardiness Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Harvest
September to October
Pollination Note
Self-fertile but cross-pollination with Lang significantly improves fruit set
Planning Your Orchard
Li benefits from having a compatible variety nearby. For best results, ensure good pollinator habitat by planting bee-friendly flowers nearby and avoiding pesticide use during bloom.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Li
Li is the best jujube for fresh eating — large, round fruit with crisp, sweet, apple-like flesh. Also called Chinese Date, it thrives in heat and drought where other fruit trees struggle.
Growing Challenges
Needs long, hot summers to ripen; thorny branches; suckers aggressively from roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Li?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Li. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Li tree?
You can, but you'll get significantly better harvests with a compatible partner nearby. Li is partially self-fertile — it will set some fruit alone, but cross-pollination dramatically improves yield and fruit quality.
Other Jujube Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Li?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.