Successful Germination of P. Dactylifera?

[JASON M]

I see green showing out of my pot that my date is in. It's not a weed. Please help, is this successful germination?

Thanks for your help.

[aztropic]

Yes,that looks like a sprouting Phoenix species.

aztropic

[JASON M]

Thanks!!! I finally germinated something!

[Kumar]

Thanks!!! I finally germinated something!

It certainly appears to be a date palm of sorts. But why is the spout so yellow ? That's not a good sign. Date palms usually need plenty of heat, sun and water.

[JASON M]

Thanks!!! I finally germinated something!

It certainly appears to be a date palm of sorts. But why is the spout so yellow ? That's not a good sign. Date palms usually need plenty of heat, sun and water.

My home is never below 65F and it is close to a window, I water it daily. Maybe it's just my camera. (Runs upstairs to look at sprout)

Yes, it is just the camera. It's a lot greener in person.

[John in Andalucia]

Well done, Jason! That's a natural colour for a leaf tip emerging from total darkness below soil level. Over summer, your little seedling will grow faster if you wait for the soil to feel "dry" in the top half of the pot before watering thoroughly. Moisture content sufficient to prevent roots from dying is about the same as you would find in a bag of compost from a nursery - even less for desert palms. In winter, that's all the moisture it needs, so you shouldn't allow the soil to feel wetter than that, not even at the base of the pot. In summer, aim for the same level of moisture before watering thoroughly. That might mean watering once a week, or every 10 days where you are.

These were just watered, but after 3 days in full Mediterranean sun they will need watering right through again. They look yellow too, but that's the sunlight.

[JASON M]

Cool! My little sprout gets bigger everyday. I'm so proud! :')

[Kumar]

Cool! My little sprout gets bigger everyday. I'm so proud! :')

Likewise for me. I hope the tropical climate here makes my lot ready for transplantation within a year.

BTW - where did you get that date from ? Do you know what cultivar it is? And why just one ?

Edited June 2, 2010 by Kumar83

[JASON M]

Cool! My little sprout gets bigger everyday. I'm so proud! :')

Likewise for me. I hope the tropical climate here makes my lot ready for transplantation within a year.

BTW - where did you get that date from ? Do you know what cultivar it is? And why just one ?

I got it from Pick N Save. I think it was medjool. I had 3 but they were not successful.

[Kumar]

I hope these seedlings from such well known varieties don't revert to a wild form though. I have to show a good return on investment on blocking up space in my lawn with these spiny rascals.

[JASON M]

I only really need one seed, I can't grow these outside

[John in Andalucia]

I only really need one seed, I can't grow these outside

You won't want it inside either, when it get's big and spikey and starts suckering.

[Xenon]

Give it to Kris once it starts producing HUGE spines..

Gratz on the germination,

Jonathan

[JASON M]

Give it to Kris once it starts producing HUGE spines..

Gratz on the germination,

Jonathan

Sorry Kris, this is mine palm!

[Kris]

Give it to Kris once it starts producing HUGE spines..

Gratz on the germination,

Jonathan

Sorry Kris, this is mine palm!