As the growing season commences, each node of a woody branch produces one to ten branchlets. Most of these are deciduous, falling from the plant in autumn. The flowering period extends over several months from late spring into summer. However, individual flowers are receptive to pollen for only one day or less. Pollination needs of the jujube are not clearly defined, but appear to be done by ants or other insects and possibly by the wind.
Most jujube cultivars produce fruit without cross-pollination .
The jujube is well protected from late spring frosts by delayed budding until all chance of cold weather has passed. It has a thin, edible skin surrounding whitish flesh of sweet, agreeable flavor. The single hard stone contains two seeds. The fully mature fruit is entirely red. Shortly after becoming fully red, the fruit begins to soften and wrinkle.