True Date Palms – Phoenix dactylifera
 
This non native palm grows well in the California deserts and produces the edible date. Trees too large to easily harvest dates are marketed to landscape companies throughout the west.
 
There are several varieties of True date palm, some are more hardy, better looking and do better in the cooler coastal climates than others.
 
Some varieties of Phoenix dactylifera are prone to disease when placed in cool foggy weather near the California coast. Consult with Plant-Tek, Inc. or Dr. Henry Donselman for more advice on selection and placement of these trees.
 
At Plant-Tek, Inc., we have never come across a case of Fusarium wilt in Phoenix dactylifera palms. However, they are prone to getting both Pink Rot (gliocladium) and Bud Rot (phytophthora) diseases. We recommend transplant treatments with fungicides and fertilizers as well as long term maintenance treatments until the trees are well established. As important as maintenance treatments is the proper installation of the tree and excellent drainage of the planting site.