Blacksmith Jujube


Product Description and Distinctive Features:

Demirci Hünnap is the name given to the fruits obtained from the cultivation of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. species trees in the specific soil and climatic conditions of Demirci. These trees, which shed their leaves in winter, can reach a length of 4-5 meters, bloom with yellow flowers between April and May, and have a pleasant fragrance. Demirci Hünnap, obtained from these trees, initially has an olive-green color and gradually develops into a dark red hue, defining its maturation. Demirci Hünnap is sweet and juicy, suitable for consumption both fresh and dried.

Blacksmith Jujube

The trees producing Demirci Hünnap thrive in sandy-loamy and calcareous soils, exhibiting resilience to water stress and extreme heat. These trees blossom with yellow flowers in spring, and their fruits ripen towards the autumn season. Propagation is carried out through root cuttings taken from existing trees, seeds, and grafting materials. Since these trees are not susceptible to diseases and pests, there is no need for pesticide applications. Additionally, chemical fertilization is not performed due to the richness of organic matter in the soil.

Production Method:

As Demirci Hünnap seeds have a hard structure, three different methods are applied to facilitate germination.Seeds are individually sanded to thin the shell, softened by soaking in warm water for 1-2 days, and then sown in beds or pots for germination.Seeds are softened by soaking in diluted acid for 1-2 days and then sown in beds or pots for germination.Seeds are cracked, then sown in beds or pots for germination.Regardless of the method, seeds germinate within 90-120 days, but the cracking method results in higher germination rates. Seedlings from seed propagation are grown in pots or beds until they are planted in the production area.

Production with Root Cuttings:
Cuttings taken from basal shoots can be directly planted in the field or grown in tubes or pots for production.

Production by Grafting:
This method is used to rejuvenate and regain productivity in trees that have declined in yield. Grafting techniques such as bud grafting and whip-and-tongue grafting are employed. Grafting should be performed at the end of winter or the beginning of spring. Since grafting pieces are taken from the second-year shoots of highly productive jujube trees, which are more mature and suitable for grafting, the procedure is carried out during late winter or early spring.

Cultivation of Demirci Hünnap:
In the seed propagation method, seedlings are planted in the production area at intervals of at least 5x5m during the winter when they reach a height of about 15 cm. In grafting production, grafted plants are spaced at least 5x5m apart. Well-rotted animal manure is applied to the soil during planting. While organic fertilization may be applied as needed during cultivation, chemical fertilization or pesticide application should be avoided. The trees, being late-flowering, are not affected by late spring frosts. Demirci Hünnap trees, flowering at the end of April or in May, are not affected by late spring frosts.

Demirci Hünnap trees are pruned lightly in the winter of their third year to shape them, and their growth is monitored. Trees begin to bear fruit in the summer following the first pruning. Due to their limited growth, these trees do not require excessive pruning. The trees are trained using the goblet training system with pruning. Irrigation increases quality and yield in trees that are watered. Drip and flood irrigation methods are used for irrigation. On the other hand, the trees are resistant to water stress, and fruit can be obtained without irrigation.