California Jojoba Plant Care

California Jojoba (Simmondsia californica) belongs to the Simmondsiaceae family within the Simmondsia genus. California Jojoba is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. California Jojoba is also known as Jojoba.

California Jojoba displays a dense, evergreen shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. California Jojoba produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted California Jojoba every 14–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

California Jojoba thrives in full sun.

Simmondsia californica tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. California Jojoba prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for California Jojoba to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed California Jojoba every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

California Jojoba is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

California Jojoba can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune California Jojoba while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

California Jojoba is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

California Jojoba can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jojoba plant care, which shares the same genus.

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California Jojoba is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

California Jojoba grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. California Jojoba is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow California Jojoba as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.