Jojoba Plant Care

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) belongs to the Simmondsiaceae family within the Simmondsia genus. Jojoba is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Jojoba is also known as Goat Nut, Deer Nut, Coffee Berry.

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

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted 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.

Jojoba thrives in full sun.

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

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

Feed 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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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.

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