Phoenix Dactylifera, Date Palm - 0.5 kg Seeds

The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is the classic desert palm of the arid Old World, grown for its sweet, energy-rich dates and its tall, elegant form. A single grey trunk crowned with long blue-green feather fronds rises to 20 m or more, bearing heavy bunches of fruit in the hot season. In India it is cultivated commercially in the dry zones of Rajasthan, Gujarat (Kutch) and the Punjab, and planted as a striking ornamental and avenue palm elsewhere.

It is exceptionally tolerant of heat, drought, alkaline and saline soils, thriving where few other trees fruit well. Beyond the edible dates, its fronds, fibre and timber are used locally for thatch, baskets and construction.

• Family: Arecaceae (palm family)
• Native region: North Africa and the Middle East / West Asia
• Mature height: 20-25 m
• Growth rate: Moderate

Soak the cleaned seeds in warm water for 2-4 days, refreshing it daily. Sow 2 cm deep in a sandy, free-draining medium and keep very warm (30-38 C) and lightly moist. Germination is uneven, taking several weeks to a couple of months; the first leaf emerges grass-like. Pot on and transplant strong seedlings, noting that seedlings vary in fruit quality compared with named offshoot clones.