Why does a jujube tree only bloom but not bear fruit?
Sometimes growers find that the jujube trees they planted grow very vigorously with lush branches and leaves, but when it comes time to bloom, they simply do not bear fruit, or bear very little. What causes this phenomenon? In fact, there are many reasons why jujube trees bloom but do not bear fruit. Next, we will introduce each of these reasons separately, along with specific prevention and control methods.
I. Causes
The most common cause is excessive tree vigor, which is very likely due to excess nutrients and overly vigorous growth; when branches and leaves are too lush, the jujube tree consumes too many nutrients, making it difficult to enter reproductive growth, or after entering reproductive growth there are no nutrients to support it. The second cause may be hot, dry weather; if high-temperature and drought conditions occur during the flowering and fruiting period, they may affect pollen viability and the success rate of pollination. The third cause may be insufficient pollinizer trees, which leads to poor pollination and failure to bear fruit. Finally, it may be due to rain; if blooming coincides with rainy days, the pollen absorbs water and splits, dies, and cannot fertilize.
II. Prevention and control methods
1. Control growth
In the early stage, pay attention to trunk training and shaping; after a good tree form is established, you can prune at any time any branches that disrupt the tree form and excess nutrient-consuming branches, and appropriately pinch the tips of some branches. This can control vegetative growth. Then, when fertilizing in the early stage, control the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used alone; it is best to apply farmyard manure, and do not apply too much fertilizer.
2. High temperature and drought
The flowering period of jujube trees is from May to July, which in many places is the hot season. At this time it is hot, but there may be drought or there may be rainfall. If there is drought, you can water in the evening after the temperature drops; doing this every day will alleviate the drought somewhat, or spray water to increase air humidity. Pay attention to the weather; collect pollen before it rains, and carry out artificial pollination after the rain.
3. Pollinizer trees
Jujube trees are monoecious and self-pollinating, but some varieties still need pollinizer trees to increase the fruit set rate and ensure fruiting. Sometimes growth regulators can be used to regulate growth, preserve flowers, and promote fruiting. For example, gibberellin can be sprayed after flowering, so that fruit can set even if pollination fails.
When jujube trees bloom but do not bear fruit, there are influences from the trees themselves as well as other environmental factors. But no matter which factor it is, we should carry out this management well and improve the growing conditions and growth vigor of the jujube trees.