Quite right about the work it takes to get fruit. Start with de-thorning, then you need pollen to pollinate the flowers as they open (also thin them at this time), If Medjool a second thinning of every strand. Next tie each bunch to a frond to support the weight, then put a paper wrap around each bunch to protect from rain and birds. Then, if it doesn't rain to much, you finally get to harvest. Yes, it's a lot of fuss and work. Best way to get one cheep is to plant offshoots, which sprout out from the base of a parent palm. That way you know what variety you are getting. Offshoots can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on the variety. These offshoots will typically start producing fruit about the 4th year. They will not grow much trunk for the first 6 years or so, then they will grow 6 to 18 inches per year depending on the variety. If you do want a home date palm, I would recomend visiting a date shop and sampling varieties and pick out one you like more than Medjools. Medjools are everywhere and common, find something less common that you like, then ask the shop if they can help you locate an offshoot of that variety. It may take a little asking around, but there are some wonderful varieties out there and there is a lot of difference in taste and texture. Also, if you do know a certain variety that you like, you can ask again here for that variety and I may know someone who has it. I know a lot of the other growers and collectors in CA and AZ and we can probably help you find the one you want. Arthur the date guy

I just started some date palms in little buckets! Went searching through and found this. I am so impressed. I love date palms they are beautiful and the entire lifecycle especially the amazing fruit they create just fascinates me. So I am going to start my own and include it in my plans.. They're in pots i'm guessing i'll have to put them in the ground pretty early. I live in Alabama, I have a piece of land that is empty I inhereted and to turn it into a fruit garden is the goal that will provide a substantial amount of fruit rather than going to the grocery to get it. I am Starting with planting my date palms. Also starting peaches and apples. Hopefully they survive, it can get as cold as you recorded here and very rarely but possibly lower. But its just an experiment after all. I was actually looking for techniques that exist where I could attempt to possibly make the palm grow so that it doesn't actually trunk up much and could be harvested by an average or tall person with the need for only a stool or nothing at all. Thanks for coming back after so many years and posting the image! VERY cool!!

Hi Howard, I have pollen in season but that season is March. If you have flowers this late, there will not be enough time for the fruit to grow and ripen. Still, if you want to try next year, then contact me at the end of Feb or early March and I can ship you some pollen. You will be able to store it in the refrigerator unto you have flowers. But don't set your hopes too high. Still, it would be fun to try. Also, you should have about a 5 day window after the spathe opens to get the pollen on the flowers. You can also check out my youtube video on how to pollinate here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L27bMQirY60 softmentor@netzero.com

I am still in the process of seeing if my date palm will germinate but I dont think it will. One thing I must add is that the dates were in the refrigerator and now that I think about it, that might be the reason why they wont come up. They will take a long time to fruit (probably around 10 to 15 years from seed (maybe a little less in a really nice climate like san diego). And about that 2,000 year old date palm, it came from a seed in a tomb. Even better it isnt just any date palm, but a judean date palm (not 100% positive about spelling) which is now extinct. So its really cool to think about bringing an extinct species back on the planet especially something that has been gone for 2,000 years. They had to treat it with some fancy chemicals and the first leaf was white and a little discolored, but all the leaves now are green and healthy. It is getting close to fruiting age and is around 5 years old so if its a female, it might make some fruit and seeds. Apparently it has lots of medical purpose so who knows what it can cure! If a 2,000 year old extinct date palm seed can germinate so can yours! Heat is important and just waiting. I hear they can take a while to sprout, but if you see green shooting up, it shouldnt be long. They are nice plants and even though its great to buy an expensive date palm thats ready to fruit, its really nice to start one from a simple seed and watch it make fruit of its own. Good luck!