Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm)

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. Great for desert gardens.

• Grows with an upright habit up to 50-80 ft. tall (15-25 m) and 20-40 ft. wide (6-12 m).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, as long as they are well-drained. Hot dry conditions are required for free fruiting, the fruit not forming very readily in cooler or moister climates
• No serious disease or pest issues.
• Needs no regular pruning.
• Propagate from suckers or from seed which germinates readily in 2-3 months. Plants propagated from suckers can start fruiting within 2-4 years and normally reach full production at 5-8 years
• Native to Northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula.
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