Growing Date Palms (Derrie Variety) from Seed in Containers

A New Jersey gardener wants to grow the “derrie” date palm, likely a date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) native to Iraq.

Best Approach for Cold Climates

Grow in containers; bring indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F. Date palms thrive in desert conditions (Arizona, California) but can be container-grown elsewhere.

Seed Germination

1. Clean all pulp off seeds.
2. Plant 1 inch deep in separate pots.
3. Keep moist (not soggy) and warm (~80°F).
4. Germination: 1–6 months.

Growth Timeline

• Resembles a palm tree: 1–2 years.
• Fruit production: 5–7 years.
• Slow-growing but long-lived.

Look for volunteer seedlings around mature palms or collect fallen fruit.