Date Palm
Date palms have strong historical ties to the people in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. They symbolized peace and prosperity to many people, including ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Romans.
Its shape is often depicted in a lush desert oasis. Most notable are its giant feathery green-gray palm fronds, tall, sturdy trunk etched in a diamond-shaped pattern, and of course, its date fruit bunches.
Best of all, this palm tree originates from the desert, so it handles the high temperatures in the Coachella Valley better than most palms.
Botanical name: Phoenix dactylifera
Other names: Date palm tree, true date palm
Date palms field grown for sale at the nursery
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Date Palm Appearance
Date palm trees are very tall and grow slowly up to 100+ feet tall and up to 40 feet wide.
The feather-shaped palm fronds are silver-green and 15-20 feet long.
Its gray trunk has remnants of its old palm fronds in a diamond-shaped pattern.
When in bloom, cream-colored flowers grow on long flower spikes.
Followed by edible oval fruits called dates that grow in bunches. Color and size depend on the variety of date.
Date Palm Landscaping Tips
Date palms are one of the most heat-tolerant palms.
Requires intense heat to produce high-quality date fruits. In fact, they are the Coachella Valley's biggest and most valuable agricultural product.
Line date palms alongside a driveway or entryway for a glamorous look, or plant a few together for a desert oasis look.
Trees are male or female and require pollination to fruit.
Date palms start to fruit at around 5-10 years of age. If healthy, they fruit vigorously, and each tree can produce more than 100 pounds of dates.
Dates are very sugary and are sometimes used as sugar substitutes. If dates are left to fall on the ground, they may attract pests. Harvest dates promptly or cut flower stalks to prevent fruiting. On the other hand, allowing dates to remain on the tree has the benefit of attracting birds.
For best performance, provide deep, occasional watering that mimics periodic flooding to reach all the roots. The soil should have excellent drainage.
Date Palm Origin
Date palms are from the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa.
Date Palm Care
Soil: Well-draining soil that are moderately fertile.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 18 degrees for a short period of time.
Water: Drought tolerant. Deep, occasional watering while ensuring that the surrounding soil does not stay wet.
Sun: Full sun
Date Palm Problems
Pests: Date palms have minimal pests. Fungal diseases from rot and nutrient deficiencies.
Signs of overwatering: Wilted fronds, especially with brown tips. Soil that never dries out.
Signs of too little water: Shriveling fronds, weak fronds
Signs of too much sun: Burning, faded color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring
Date Palm Propagation
Obtain seeds from the dates and plant them in soil.
FAQ
How much do date palms cost?
At our nursery, date palms cost $200 per foot (measured at the trunk only).
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
Can you eat dates right off the date palm?
Yes, you can also eat them fresh off the palm once they are ripe. Young dates are green at first and turn darker as they ripen.
What is the lifespan of a date palm?
Date palms generally live to about 150 years old.
SUMMARY
| SIZE (H X W) | 100 feet X 40 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Cream |
| FLOWER SEASON | Spring |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun |
| WATER | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Slow |
| HARDINESS | 18º F, USDA Zone 8 |
| PRUNING | None |