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Top Questions About Date Palm Trees

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Questions About Date Palm Trees

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    October 25, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to see the damage. It could be age, disease, or improper environmental conditions in that area.

    In the meantime, this article will give you more information on the care that these trees require:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/date/date-palm-tree-care.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    November 20, 2021
    Certified Expert
    A.

    The Japanese banana tree is hardy to zone 5 so it should do fine in your zone 5. But, the date palm can't survive below 20 degrees F. Your location can get down to -15 degrees. If you live in a sheltered area that doesn't get a lot of wind and extreme cold, you might be able to grow a palm if you wrap it each winter. There are some cold hardy palms that will survive in zone 6 with protection. I have included a link below.

    You could grow a pygmy date palm in a container and move it indoors for winter.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/pygmy-palm/grow-pygmy-palm-trees.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/growing-palm-trees-in-zone-6.htm

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    January 6, 2022
    Certified Expert
    A.

    My research shows date palms used to have male and female flowers on the same tree, but translocation separated the trees into males and females. You do need a male tree to pollinate a female tree. Pups will be the same gender as the parent.

    It is safe to leave the pups on the tree for years, that will yield a better pup for transplanting. The more pups a tree has, the slower they grow.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/palms-trees/propagate-palm-pups.htm
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/date/date-palm-tree-care.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    January 10, 2022
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Oh no! It sounds like overwatering started the process, and covering sealed the deal.

    Watering should only be done once the top 3 or 4 inches of soil are completely dry. Too much water will prevent gas exchange in the soil at the root zone. Pair this with slowed respiration from covering the plants, and it will show signs of the infection very quickly.

    From here, I would recommend only watering when needed. You will want to treat with a fungicide, as well.

    Here are some articles that will help:

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/date/date-palm-tree-care.htm

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/wrapping-plants-in-burlap.htm

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  • Answered by
    luis_pr on
    January 10, 2022
    A.

    Please post the question again as your picture did not get uploaded. There have been several, very late, cold spells in Texas though.

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    January 22, 2022
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Potassium (K) deficiency is common in pygmy date palms. I've included some information about nutritional deficiencies which could be the problem.

    The whitish material on your leaves is normal and will drop off.

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st441

    https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/palm-diseases-nutritional-problems/

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  • Answered by
    GKH_Susan on
    July 24, 2023
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Do the bags have holes for drainage? The fertilizer will drain through with the water. Slow release fertilizer will not flush out as quickly as water soluble fertilizer. This article (although about growing in Florida) should help.

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST439

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