Dates (forum)

ABH starts with ...
Can anyone tell me if I can grow fruiting dates in Melbourne (Eltham)?

Time: 11th December 2017 2:38pm

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About the Author ABH
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Fruitylicious1 says...
Hi ABH
Yes, you can grow fruiting dates in Melbourne. Dates are very adaptable. They can take frost down to -7C and up to 46C with no permanent damage on mature trees. If you are aiming for fruit production plant at least three because date palms are dioecious meaning you need a separate male and female plant for succesful pollination. To date there is no accurate and reliable method to determine the sex of the date palm when young. You have to wait anywhere between 5-10 years to know the sex of your tree. So it's advisable to plant at least 3 specimen to have a chance of having both sexes in your grove. But, even then you might still get an all female or an all male trio. There you are. Anyway, they are very handsome ornamental trees in a big property if you failed to get both sexes in your collection. They are not suitable for cramped backyard though because of their size.
Hope this helps. Happy Gardening :-)


Time: 12th December 2017 9:06pm

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Original Post was last edited: 13th December 2017 6:38am

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ivepeters says...
Even if you luck out with a male & 2 females pollination is not a given.
Believe there is a gardening Australia episode regarding Desert Fruit Company, that might enlighten.

Time: 13th December 2017 10:11am

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ABH says...
Thanks Fruitlylicious1, useful info. Any tips on variety to plant? Like medjool, canary island, barhi?
Regards
ABH

Time: 13th December 2017 10:34am

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Fruitylicious1 says...
Hi ABH
Here are some of the date fruit variety that maybe suitable in your area:
1.Barhee (origin Iraq) - Can grow in a wide variety of climate. Very famous in Middle-Eastern market here in Australia because it can be eaten while it is semi ripe and firm, fresh and crunchy (khalal stage) with golden yellow colour.
2. Khadrawy (origin Iraq) - well adapted to a wide range of condition. Described as good, rich in flavour and keeps well.
3. Zahidi - (origin Iraq) oldest known date in cultivation and highly adaptable to most locations.
4. Medjool - (origin Morocco) - the bechmark of premium luxury fruit date known around the world. The fruit is large, succulent, deliciously rich and with a hint of butter.
5. Khalas Date (origin Saudi Arabia) Has a distinct caramel flavor when cured. Can also be eaten in the semi ripe stage just like the Barhee variety.
So there you are. Those are some of the better date palm variety that you can try.
You also mentioned Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix Canariensis) a relative of the true date palm (Phoenix Dactylifera) is mostly grown as an ornamental tree. It also bears fruit but the seed is too big and the flesh too thin to be worth eating.
Happy Gardening :-)



Time: 14th December 2017 9:31pm

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Original Post was last edited: 16th December 2017 8:14pm

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ABH says...
Thanks Frutiylicious, I did not know the Canary Island was not a good fruit. Sounds like the medjool or barhee would be the best bets as the others are less available(?) here in Oz.

And thanks Ivepeters, I did know about the Oz desert operation.

Regards
ABH

Time: 15th December 2017 11:01am

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Trikus says...
I have been following these guys for ages . http://www.gurradowns.com.au/Nurserystock.php

Have bought fruit from them several times.

Time: 18th December 2017 11:24am

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