The Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a massive, stately palm with a thick trunk and a crown of arching feather-shaped fronds. This guide covers growing one from seed, plus our own grow log from the Spring Mason kit.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Phoenix canariensis |
|---|---|
| Native range | The Canary Islands |
| Mature size | 50 to 60 feet tall, with a canopy about 40 feet wide |
| Lifespan | [Your data: lifespan] |
| Sunset climate zones | 9, 12-24, H1, and H2 (USDA zones 8A to 11) |
| Annual growth rate | [Your data: ft per year] |
| Seed source | [State] [Year] |
| Time to germinate | [Your data: days from sowing to sprout in the kit] |
| Difficulty | [Your rating: easy / moderate / challenging] |
Seed and germination
- Scarification (soaking): [Your data]
- Cold Stratification: [Your data]
- Germination: [Your data]
Watch our Canary Island date palm seeds go from sowing to sprout on our YouTube channel, @SpringMasonTV.
Growing in the kit
[Your data: how the kit is set up, how much water the reservoir holds, how often to refill it, where to place it for light, and what temperatures work.]
Canary Island date palm wants full sun and lots of room.
Year one and beyond
[Your data: milestones, such as first true leaves, height at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and when a seedling is ready to move to a larger pot or the ground.]
It grows slowly when young and speeds up as it matures. Everde lists a mature size of 50 to 60 feet tall with a canopy about 40 feet wide, and Sunset lists about 60 feet.
Our grow log
| Date | Stage | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Date sown] | Sown | [Your notes] | |
| [Date] | Germinated | [Your notes] | |
| [Date] | [Stage] | [Height] | [Your notes] |
[Time-lapse video goes here.]
Troubleshooting and FAQ
My seeds are not sprouting. Not every seed is viable. [Your data: how many seeds are in the vial and the germination rate we see.]
My seedling is collapsing or has gray mold. Seedlings are prone to damping-off, a fungal problem linked to excess moisture and poor airflow. [Your data: what to look for and what to do.]
Can I plant it outside? Everde lists Canary Island date palm for USDA zones 8A to 11, and Sunset lists zones 9, 12-24, H1, and H2. [Your data: climate guidance and timing.]
Sources
- Everde Growers, Canary Island Date Palm (size, USDA zones, growth rate)
- Sunset, Varieties of giant palms (Sunset zones)