You’ll know the dates are ripe when they are slightly wrinkled or leaking a sticky fluid.
Soaking the seed will let the seed coat absorb the water and prepare it for the germination process. [2] X Research source Toss out any seeds that float to the top of the water. You only want to use seeds that sink to the bottom of the container.
The seeds should sprout after 3-8 weeks. Place the pots on a germination mat if you’re having trouble finding a spot that’s 70 °F (21 °C).
You should start with a smaller pot at first, but keep in mind that you’ll need to transplant to a larger pot as the plant grows.
Don’t pack the soil down. It will need to be loose for proper drainage. [7] X Research source You could also add vermiculite or sand to normal potting soil in a 1:4 or 1:3 ratio. [8] X Research source
If the roots are still delicate, you can plant the sprout with the paper towel to protect them. Only plant one sprouted seed per pot.
It’s better to water plants when they need it, rather than on a set schedule. [13] X Research source Generally speaking, though, date palm plants will need to be watered about once a week. [14] X Research source
Once the plant has grown to tree size, you can move the large pot outdoors onto a deck or porch. Make sure to keep it in a spot with maximum sun exposure. If necessary, you can also keep it indoors in a large pot near a sunny window. However, keep in mind that this will severely hinder its growth. If you live in a warm enough climate, you can also transplant the date palm into the ground outside.
Keep in mind that over time, date palms can reach heights of 50 feet (15 m). Choose a spot that will give the tree plenty of room to grow!
