Palm Tree

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by BarowBoy, May 7, 2020.

  1. BarowBoy

    BarowBoy Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    May 5, 2020
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +0
    Is it possible to pollinate a palm tree in southern England, I have several clumps of blossom almost open. Would it produce dates and would they be sweet enough to eat. It is Trachycarpus fortuneii as seen in another thread but where can I get male flowers to use as pollinator?
     
    Last edited: May 7, 2020
  2. NigelJ

    NigelJ Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2012
    Messages:
    6,756
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Mad Scientist
    Location:
    Paignton Devon
    Ratings:
    +22,978
    @BarowBoy
    As far as I know it is not edible. Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) is dioecious so male and female flowers are on different plants. So whatever gender your plant is you would need one of the opposite gender in your garden or locally.
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    51,029
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +93,711
    They are wind pollinated, none of mine bore seed until one of my seedling trees turned out to be male and flowered first time two years ago.
    You wouldn't want to eat the seeds, they are just that, a dry hard seed with no outer flesh like you get with dates.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • daitheplant

      daitheplant Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Dec 19, 2006
      Messages:
      10,282
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      South East Wales
      Ratings:
      +2,881
      You are better off treating Trachycarpus as a feature plant.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Agree Agree x 1
      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

        Joined:
        Jan 9, 2005
        Messages:
        51,029
        Gender:
        Male
        Occupation:
        Retired
        Location:
        Mid Kent
        Ratings:
        +93,711
        By the way, edible dates come from Phoenix dactylifera.
        A very different looking palm to Trachycarpus,and not hardy in the UK.
         
      Loading...

      Share This Page

      1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
        By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
        Dismiss Notice