Long red dates, also known as lying dates, are a new variety of jujube primarily cultivated for fresh consumption and processing. These dates are known for their sweetness, crisp texture, high sugar content, and early fruiting. They gained recognition by winning the Gold Award for Quality Products at the 2001 International Agricultural Exposition. Today, they are widely grown in provinces like Shandong and Hebei. Based on several years of experience cultivating red dates in Zaozhuang, we have summarized the following key practices:
First, selecting quality seedlings is crucial. Long red dates typically have dark brown skin with red and brown-colored jujube heads. Their lenticels are large and thin, while the stock has a dark gray, short conical shape. The leaves are dark green and oval, belonging to the complete leaf type. The fruits are medium-sized, long and cylindrical, averaging 13.4 grams each, with a maximum weight of up to 29 grams. The surface is smooth, with thin skin and a brown-red color, and the fruit spots are not very noticeable. The flesh is thick, crunchy, and juicy, with a soluble solids content of 31.7%. When eaten raw, they are sweet and crisp, with a dry date sugar content of 75% and an edible rate of 96.3%, making them a premium variety. This variety is drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and especially resistant to common jujube diseases.
In the Lunan region, the main cultivars include the newly developed Changhongzao 1, Longhongzao 2, Longhongzao 3, and Longhongzao 4. When selecting seedlings, it's important to check whether the root system is fresh and complete, the graft union is well healed, and the seedling itself is sturdy.
Second, planting in autumn is recommended over spring planting. Experience shows that autumn planting leads to higher survival rates, better growth, and more stable fruiting in the second year. In autumn, the soil temperature is still warm, which helps the roots heal quickly after planting. This reduces water loss from the above-ground parts, leading to improved survival and earlier germination, flowering, and fruiting.
Third, site selection is critical. Red date plantations should be located in areas with good ecological conditions, where soil, water, and air are not polluted. They thrive in plains, hills, and mountains with sandy or clay loam soils. The soil should have an organic matter content of at least 1.0%, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and total salt content below 0.3%. They can be planted in both sunny and shaded areas.
Fourth, proper land preparation is essential. Ideal sites include well-ventilated, light-permeable, and well-drained terraces with deep soil layers, convenient irrigation, and good soil structure. For flatlands, plant along a north-south direction on slopes of 6 degrees or more. For mountainous areas, use hillside terraces and intercrop with other crops. Planting density should be around 3 meters apart. Dig holes measuring 0.5m x 0.5m x 0.5m, and backfill with organic fertilizer.
Fifth, planting specifications vary depending on the orchard type. In high-density demonstration gardens, spacing can be 1.5x0.7m, 2x1m, or 3x1m, resulting in 660, 330, or 220 plants per acre. In regular orchards, spacing could be 3x1.5m, 4x1m, 3x2m, or 4x1.5m, with 150 or 110 plants per acre. If intercropped with grain, about 80 plants per mu (at 4x2m or 5x1.5m) are recommended. Apply base fertilizer before planting.
In areas with high water tables or heavy rainfall, planting depth should be shallow, and raised beds should be created. In hilly regions, dig deep pits, plant at the right depth, and create small water basins for rainwater collection. In dry areas, mulch with plastic film to retain moisture.
Sixth, cutting back the seedlings is essential. Many growers hesitate to do this, thinking it’s a waste, but not cutting leads to poor growth and low survival rates. Typically, cut back seedlings to 40–60 cm, leaving 3–4 buds. This encourages strong root development, better flower bud formation, and more stable fruiting. Even if some seedlings are weak or dehydrated, they can still survive through proper short-cutting techniques.
Finally, post-planting management is crucial. After germination, spray pesticides to prevent pests like aphids and armyworms. Once the seedlings reach the desired height, perform pruning to shape the canopy. In high-density systems, a dwarf management model is often used. When many buds appear, a second pruning of the tip can encourage better growth. If you choose not to allow fruiting in the first year, it will lead to a higher yield in the second year.
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