simmondsia chinensis
( sim - ONZ - zee - uh chy - NEN - siss )
At-A-Glance Information
This species of evergreen shrubs is best in zones 7-24 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map) and need full sun and little water to perform well. They are great for water-wise gardens, and are commonly referred to as Jojoba, Gray Box Bush, Wild Hazel or Goatnut. These shrubs are native to the desert areas in Southern California, Arizona, and Mexico, and are used as informal shrubs, clipped hedges, foundation covers, and background foliage plants. They reach 3-6 feet tall and about as wide, with dull grey-green leaves and inconspicuous flowers. Female plants will produce edible, nutlike fruits if a male is nearby; they are bitter until dried or roasted. When young, they don't do well in cold temperatures, but mature plants are hardy down to around 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Caring for and pruning simmondsia chinensis shrubs
Jojoba shrubs should be planted in full sun (6-8 hours of direct sun per day minimum). Ensure that soil is well-draining and that it has a slightly acidic to netural pH. The ideal pH range for Jojoba plants is between 6.5 and 7.5 (though they can tolerate between 5.0 and 8.2). Water deeply but infrequently when these trees are mature; they are drought tolerant for the most part. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to increase soil moisture retention. These trees and shrubs are adapted so nutrient-poor soils and do not need to be fertilized, but if the plant seems to be struggling it may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, half-strength, slow-release fertilizer in springtime. Pruning is not necessary, either, simply remove dead or diseased branches in late winter or early springtime.
Harvesting Jojoba Seeds
The seeds of these trees are used to make Jojoba Oil, and are typically harvested in the fall. The seeds, when fully ripe, will drop from the tree, and not all seeds will ripen at the same time.
Harvesting Jojoba Seeds
The seeds of these trees are used to make Jojoba Oil, and are typically harvested in the fall. The seeds, when fully ripe, will drop from the tree, and not all seeds will ripen at the same time.
Propagation
Simmondsia chinensis can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Simmondsia chinensis by Cutting
Propagating Simmondsia chinensis by Seed
Propagating Simmondsia chinensis by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Simmondsia chinensis by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 20-30 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.
Problems and Pests
These shrubs and trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases, though they can have issues with the following:
- Verticillum Wilt
- Texas Root Rot
Gallery
Videos
All about growing Jojoba plants.
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Learn about these California native shrubs.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 604, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba, Goatnut)
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