Phoenix dactylifera - Date Palm - 15 seeds

One of the best-known palms, Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) is a tall evergreen palm tree with a slender trunk topped with a crown of 100 - 120 gracefully arching, feather-like fronds that can reach 10-16 ft. in length (3-5 m). Each gray-green, waxy, pinnate leaf is divided into about 150 stiff, sharp pointed leaflets. Creamy-yellow flowers are produced in drooping panicles on male and female trees. The flowers on female palms give way to showy clusters of large, edible, very sweet fruits with a thick layer of fruit pulp. Green when unripe, the fruits change to yellow, golden brown, mahogany red, or black as they ripen. The Date Palm is one of the longest cultivated plants in the world, having been grown at least 5,000 years ago. It is a very important crop in many dry tropical and subtropical areas, where its fruit is often a traditional staple food and also the source of syrup, alcohol, and vinegar. Slow-growing, Date Palm is hardy to 25°F (-4°C), but the leaves may be severely damaged. It withstands coastal exposure and tolerates drought. For best production, it is important that at least one male plant be planted for every 6 female plants. Date Palm is often confused with Phoenix canariensis which is much shorter and more ornamental.

SOWING ADVICE

Abrade a small portion of each seed with sand paper or on a rough brick or similar, then soak seeds for 24 hours before sowing 2cm deep in a good loamy compost. Keep in a propagator or warm place, at between 20 and 25 degrees C, and do not exclude light. Germination can be erratic, usually taking between 2 to 12 months, sometimes longer, so do not discard the seed pots. Pot on small plants frequently in a coarse loose compost to achieve huge plants very quickly.