How much does a winter jujube sapling cost? A detailed explanation of 7 key high-yield cultivation techniques

Winter jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) has the characteristics of being easy to plant, having a high survival rate, bearing many fruits, and commanding a decent market price, making it one of the preferred planting projects for many fruit growers. For beginners, choosing saplings is crucial: on one hand you need to select good saplings, and on the other hand you must control the cost of the saplings, so how much does a winter jujube sapling cost? What are the high-yield cultivation techniques?

I. How much does a winter jujube sapling cost?

Generally speaking, winter jujube saplings of different varieties and specifications differ in price.

For example, winter jujube saplings come in several specifications such as 3 cm, 5 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm.

At present, the average price is roughly 8-15 yuan per plant. The final actual purchase price still needs to be negotiated with the nursery owner. Depending on market conditions, the more you buy, the more favorable the price you can get.

II. Key points of high-yield cultivation techniques for winter jujube

1. Choose a good variety

A good variety not only lays the foundation for the sales market, but also reduces planting risks and makes orchard management easier. For example, Zhanhua winter jujube, winter jujube saplings, and Zhandong No. 2 short-branch winter jujube saplings are all good-quality winter jujube saplings currently recommended by growers.

2. Grasp the best planting time

After purchasing winter jujube saplings, you must grasp the 2 best planting times for winter jujube: one is spring planting, around mid-April, and the other is autumn planting, preferably from late October to early November.

According to feedback from various jujube growers, the effect of autumn planting is better than that of spring planting, not only with a higher survival rate but also with more considerable yield.

3. Control planting density

Although winter jujube is relatively suitable for close planting, the row and plant spacing must still be controlled well, preferably 2-3 m between plants and 3-4 m between rows.

4. Fertilizer and water management

(1) Watering: After planting the winter jujube saplings, the watering principle should be “small amounts and multiple times,” which makes survival easier.

(2) Fertilizing: First, apply sufficient base fertilizer. When the sapling's new branches grow to about 20 cm, the first topdressing can be carried out, generally just applying urea. After that, some phosphate fertilizer can be applied each time you water. The 2nd and 3rd topdressings should be chosen during the fruit-setting stage and the fruit enlargement stage. The fruit-setting stage mainly uses nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, while the fruit enlargement stage requires topdressing with some potassium fertilizer in addition to nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.

5. Pruning of the jujube tree

Pruning the jujube tree is very necessary for a high yield. After the winter jujube sapling is successfully planted, the sprouts below 50 cm on the main trunk can be removed after budding. In winter, branches stronger than the main trunk should be cut away, weak branches can be temporarily retained, and the selected main branches should be pruned appropriately.

6. Pinching treatment before flowering

When winter jujube is about to bloom, usually in mid-to-late May each year, pinching treatment should be carried out.

7. Prevention and control of pests and diseases

Winter jujube requires pest and disease control during the dormant period, budding period, branch and leaf expansion period, early flowering period, flowering period, young fruit period, and fruit ripening period. The main pests and diseases to control include jujube rust, jujube leaf spot disease, ring rot, red spider mite, jujube leaf roller, jujube owlet moth, fruit borer, and spotted leaf drop disease.

After the fruit ripens, it should be sold promptly. Winter jujube is not tolerant of rainy weather, nor is it tolerant of storage, so it is best to find buyers in advance and sell each batch as it ripens, avoiding losses from rotten fruit.