Phoenix dactylifera

Native to North Africa and the Middle East, Phoenix dactylifera, the edible date palm, is fast growing but needs plenty of extra protection in the cold wet winter months. Not considered as hardy as its cousins, P. theophrastii or P. canariensis, Phoenix dactylifera is best grown by dedicated and adventurous exotic gardeners with a very advantageous Southern position and sheltered microclimate. The key for growing the date palm in cooler climates - apart from having a fortuitous geographical location - is good drainage. Lots of rubble and grit in the substrate. An elevated position on a slope or the side of a hill is ideal. Covering the ground around it in the winter with well-anchored plastic sheets to keep its roots on the dry side is a good option if you have the space. It is not so much the cold that it doesn't like, it's having its toes too damp in wet soggy ground. Remember in the wild, Phoenix dactylifera has extremes of hot during the day/summer and cold during the night/winter. Although it loves to be well watered during the summer months it needs to be kept dry during the winter. Obviously the warmer it is and the more sun it gets, the happier it will be. If you live in Southern Europe you should have fewer challenges. Like most palms it should be nursed overwinter through its first years in a glasshouse, conservatory or indoors in a well-lit spot until it is hardy enough and large enough to transplant outside.