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Date Palm Trees

Q.Choosing And Mixing Soil For Canary Island Date Palms – Have I Done It Right?

Zone Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom | Maddie88 added on June 2, 2020 | Answered

Hi there! I recently bought two Canary Island Date Palms and just re-potted them, I am totally new to gardening so was absolutely overwhelmed with information on which soil and compost to use, and I really don’t know if I have done the right thing. Unfortunately, compost options are limited due to COVID-19, so I have mixed 3 parts loam based topsoil with 2 parts multi purpose loam based compost, (Westland Multi Purpose with Added John Innes specifically). I know that these palms require well drained soil, and I am concerned that – after lightly watering them a couple of days ago – the soil still looks very sodden. Should I rescue them and plant them in something else? Thank you so, so much, Maddie

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BushDoctor
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on June 4, 2020

Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I cannot see the state of the soil to make a good diagnosis of the situation.

If the container that you are using has drainage holes, or a way to remove all extra water, then this should dry within a few days, if given plenty of sun.

If this does not have drainage- You will have to get good at guaging when the container is fully saturated without sitting in water at the bottom. This can be tricky, and I don't recommend this.

As long as your container allows all extra water out, then just let it dry down to about 2 or 3 inches between watering. No change of soil will be necessary.

Here is an article to help you care for date palms:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/canary-palm/canary-island-palm-trees.htm

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