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Grow A Date From Seed!

A Step By Step pictorial guide

If you want to learn how to grow your own palms from seed, the best way to start is with a date stone. It's cheap, it's fun - and it's easy to find a supply of fresh seeds...

	First, obtain some fresh palm seeds. Luckily, most supermarkets sell these conveniently packaged inside dates. Eat the dates and you are left with the seeds.
	Soak the seeds for 24 to 48 hours. Change the water once or twice and use a sharp knife or tweezers to pick off any bits of fruit flesh.
	Put vermiculite into a plastic sandwich box (or plastic bag). Sprinkle on a couple of teaspoons of water. Then pop in the seeds and mix them in.
	Seal the box or bag and put it in the warmest part of the house - in my house, that's above the hot water tank. Then just wait...
	Check the seeds every few days. Only if the vermiculite is very dry, add a few more drops of water. Wait until the seeds sprout...
	Plant the seeds into little pots of compost. Bury them just beneath the surface and water carefully (don't drown them!)
	Keep warm and wait. Eventually, with luck, a long seed leaf will appear. At this stage you are well on your way to growing a date palm!

Have fun!