Black Sea

Jujube

Size

Large (~3 cm / ~1.2 in.)

Shape

Ovate, with a single central stone

Flavor

Very sweet, robust flavor - often noted as more full-flavored than other jujubes

Texture

Crisp

Ripening window

Late summer/fall, depending on summer heat; matures early each year

Best uses

Fresh eating, drying, tea

Pollination

Requires a pollinizer (another jujube variety) for reliable fruit production - less self-fertile than most other named jujube cultivars

Tree size

Up to 18 ft; late to leaf out each spring; has thorns (careful harvesting required)

Notes

Also known as 'Russian 2', botanically Ziziphus jujuba 'Yalta #1 cv.'. Originated at the Nikita Botanic Garden on Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. Zone 6 hardy (one nursery's FAQ lists zone 5b), chill requirement 400 hours; more productive in zones 8+ and not consistently successful in the Pacific Northwest outside greenhouse settings - a good sign for Oak Point's zone 8a heat. Drought and salt tolerant once established; remove rootstock suckers promptly. Begins fruiting just 1-2 years after planting. Unlike most other jujubes in this collection, this one has thorns and genuinely needs a pollinizer rather than being just partially self-fertile - plan to pair it with one of your other varieties.