Palm Trees – Date Palm

• Date palm 

Botanical name: phoenix dactylifera 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: can reach heights of over 100 ft with up to a 35 ft spread 

Bloom time: summer 

Hardy zone: zones 9-13 

Flower color: yellow 

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows 1 ft – 1.5 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: remove fronds as they brown as needed, save all heavy pruning to maintain desired size and shape for the late winter/early spring 

Propagation methods: sowing 

Landscape use: focal point, tropical landscapes, entry lining 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: heat tolerant, drought tolerant, salt tolerant 

Watering instructions: requires deep watering sessions, allowing the first 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use an organic fertilizer or compost once  year in the spring 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam/sand

Companion plants: agave, rosemary, lavender, sago palms 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no