Description GA-866 is a fresh-eating jujube selected for crisp texture, clean sweetness, and reliable performance. Unlike drying-focused jujubes, it is meant to be eaten firm, at the apple-like stage, where its eating quality is most apparent. The fruit is consistently crisp and juicy when harvested at the right time, and the tree itself remains compact and productive with minimal intervention. Developed through USDA breeding work, GA-866 reflects a deliberate focus on usable fruit quality rather than novelty. For growers looking for a dependable jujube that performs well across a range of conditions, GA-866 offers a straightforward, no-nonsense fresh-eating option—one that has proven itself by how often growers choose it again. Overview Fresh-eating jujube selected for crisp, apple-like texture Clean sweetness best enjoyed when eaten firm Compact, manageable tree with consistent production Reliable performance across diverse climates Well-suited to growers seeking predictable results Growing Details Latin Name: Ziziphus jujuba ’GA-866’Primary Use: Fresh eatingSite and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Low chill; exact hours not well definedHardiness: USDA Zone 5–10Rootstock: Grafted onto jujube rootstockBearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first seasonSize at Maturity: Typically maintained at 10–15 ft tall and wide with pruningBloom Time: Late spring to early summerRipening Time: Mid-season within jujube varieties; timing varies by regionPollination: Self-fertile; improved yield with another jujube planted within 20–30 feetPests & Diseases: Generally low pressure; routine orchard hygiene recommendedYield: Consistent once established Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: GA-866 is the jujube we point people to when they want dependable fresh eating without surprises—it’s crisp, clean, and consistently well-liked. Regional Insight: Performs well across temperate regions, including areas with cooler summers where predictable ripening matters. Harvest at the firm, crisp stage for best eating quality. Best enjoyed fresh; drying is possible but not the primary strength of this selection. Explore more jujube varieties in our collection: Jujube Trees
