Should I separate my Date Palm sprouts?

Question

On a whim, I planted about 10 Canary Island Date Palm seeds and 5 of them have sprouted and have been growing like crazy in my yard - all within a 1 foot sqare area. Should I dig up 4 of the 5 so that 1 will grow by itself or should I let the 5 sprouts 'fight it out'? I want the best odds of growing a tree and don't care if 4 of them don't make it.

Thank you!

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

Phoenix canariensis


The Canary Island Date Palm is large and massive, growing up to 60 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. The massive trunk supports a crown of over 50 arching pinnate leaves that may reach 18 feet long. These leaves are dark green fading to a yellow stem where the leaflets are replaced by sharp spikes. The trunk is covered with diamond-shaped designs that mark the point of attachment of leaves that have dropped off. In areas of high rainfall, like Florida, these palms are often seen with ferns growing from the old leaf stems. The orange dates are formed on drooping, highly branched infloresences. They are edible, but not very tasty. Although native to the Canary Islands, this palm is now common in near frost-free climates around the world. They are grown throughout Florida and all along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.

The upper left photo, of a young Canary Island Date Palm, was taken in April, 2000. The upper right one, of a different tree, was taken in June, 2000. Note the orange-colored fruit; also the sharp spikes near the base of the stem. Both photos were taken in a residential area south of Punta Gorda.







The Canary Island Date Palm is very widely planted as an ornamental plant in warm temperate regions of the world, particularly in areas with Continental climates, where temperatures never fall below 10 °C. It can be grown from southernmost England in the south to New Zealand. It is particularly popular in Spain, Italy, Denmark, Greece, western France, warmer parts of the USA, Australia and South Africa.

This slow growing tree is exclusively propagated by seed. Its drought tolerance contributes to its widespread use as a roadside or park landscaping element.

Due to the palm's eventual size, it is not recommended for smaller residential gardens or yards. In addition, dead leaves are dangerous to be removed by hand as the petioles are armed with large spines. Because the palm frond pattern of this species is particularly dense when fully grown and can harbor rodent infestations, some arborists suggest trimming these trees into a "pineapple" configuration, with a minimum of leaves on top.

hope this helps

Answer 3

Yes, below are some characteristics and some pest that may attack it.

You should plant them 30 feet appart unless you desire the fronds to inter-leave. Plant no closer thsn 20 feet apart.

Do not plant too close to any structures (houses, shed, etc.).

"Canary Island Date Palms

Description

Height: 40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
Spread: 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters)
Leaf: 12-18 inches (31-46 cm)
Range: Not native to North America (USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11- southern and central Florida; southern Louisiana and Texas; and southern Arizona and southern and coastal California.)

General Care Tips

Canary Island Date Palms need full sun. Trees tolerate a variety of moist, well-drained soils. Prune sparingly. Avoid damaging lower trunk and roots.

Things to Watch For

Insect pests include giant palm weevil, palm leaf skeletonizer and scales. Trees are vulnerable to ganoderma rot, lethal yellowing disease and leaf spot. "

Direct quote from the link below:

http://www.treehelp.com/trees/palm/trees-species-palm-types-canary.asp

Answer 4

Of course !!