Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) seeds

Fast growing palm which is frost hardy down to -5C. and can be grown outdoors with protection.  An attractive palm with feathery blue green leaves, the date palm is commercially grown worldwide for its fruit, the edible date.  Prefers a dry, gritty soil which is very free draining so ideal for a gravel or mediterranean garden.

Hardy Palm (to - 10C)
Height: to 5m
Position: Sun in well-drained, gritty soil

Packet of 10 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Pre-sowing Treatment: Soak the seeds in warm water for 2 hours before sowing.

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year in moist seed compost mixed 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite. Seeds can be sown individually in pots, in deep trays, or if space is limited in small bags. Cover seeds with about 5mm of compost. Place containers in a dark place at 20-23C or in a propagator covered with a cloth. Keep compost moist at all times but not wet or the seeds may rot. Palm seeds often make a large root before a shoot so carefully check seeds regularly. When a root appears, pot up individually into 9-11cm pots. Germination can be erratic but should take place in 2-6 months.

Growing Instructions: Grow the seedlings on at a minimum temperature of around 18C reducing this as plants become stronger. When plants are a year old they can be placed outside in summer (at least 10C at night) after a period of hardening off (move plants outdoors during day and back indoors at night for 10 days). Can be planted out in the garden when 3-4 years old but will need to be protected from frost by wrapping with straw and fleece/bubble wrap. Phoenix like well-drained soil and a sunny position. It is advisable to pick a sheltered spot away from strong winds which may shred the leaves.