How to Grow a Date Palm Tree

By Susan Brian


Because of the beautiful appearance and tasty fruits, Date Palm Tree, also known as Phoenix dactylifera, is one of the most popular palm trees in the world. It is also referred to as Medjool Palm.

In 1927 this palm got imported from Morocco to the US and became very popular in warm climates. This palm is expensive comparing to others but is well worth the price.

A lot of luxurious resorts and expensive mansions, especially in Florida, have this palm planted at the entrances or new the pools. You'll be probably surprised to find out that this tree was mentioned in the bible. This stunning palm was also on the walls of the Egyptian tombs.

The date palm can tolerate a variety of conditions including drought, poor soil, desert climate, light freeze, high salt water and high winds. It thrives in full sun and moist well drained soil. It can easily tolerate drought when established and mature enough because of its long roots that reach deep down searching for water.

It is slow growing and can get up to 90ft tall with a spread up to 30 ft wide. Heavy dark green crown of pinnate, or feather-shaped, leaves sit on top of the brown-gray trunk that is covered with old leaf bases.

To get the diamond pattern on the trunk, you need to cut the old fronds. It is not a lot of work. Be careful, the fronds have sharp thorns near the bottom of the stem. I would recommend wearing gloves when pruning. White and cream flowers are born in spring and grow in clusters on 4ft long stems.

Flowers are followed by edible fruits. Only a female tree can produce fruits also called "dates". It takes about 5-8 years for it to starts developing fruits. For this palm to produce high quaility dates, it needs to grow in a warm dry climate. If the climate is too cool, fruits will not from. At the same time, if grown in a warm and humid climate, the fruits will drop before ripening.

Date fruit is elliptical, 1-3 inches long, with a single seed inside that is surrounded by sweet sugary flesh. They are green at first but turn yellow-orange when ripe.

Dates can be used in many dishes or eaten raw. They are absolutely delicious and great for your health. They are full of vitamins and minerals that will strengthen your immune system.

Dates played important role in medicine for many years helping to treat conditions like flue, alcoholism, fever, cancer, heart problems and more.

Phoenix dactylifera can be used for many purposes like food, medicine, shelter, fuel, and building materials.The amazing thing is that every part of this palm can be used for something.

Propagation can be done by seeds or by offsets. Seeds takes only 2-3 months to sprout.

Phoenix dactylifera is susceptible to leaf spot, black scorch, lethal yellowing disease, root rot and fruit rot diseases. To prevent different diseases always use clean tools. In case of a diseases, use suitable fungicides.




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