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VIRIAR
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Rare Mediterranean palm native to Crete with ancient heritage
Phoenix theophrasti, commonly known as the Cretan Date Palm or Theophrastus' Date Palm, is a rare and ancient species of palm native to the eastern Mediterranean, specifically the island of Crete and a few surrounding areas in Greece and Turkey. This palm is one of the few species of palms that are native to Europe.
The Cretan Date Palm typically grows to a height of 10–15 meters (33–49 feet), with a single, slender trunk covered in old leaf bases. The crown is composed of pinnate fronds that are gray-green in color, with each frond reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length. The fronds have stiff, sharp leaflets, giving the tree a somewhat rugged appearance. In late summer, the palm produces small, yellowish flowers that develop into clusters of small, oval, orange-brown dates. These dates are generally not considered edible.
Phoenix theophrasti thrives in full sun. It requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well and maintain its health. Full sun exposure enhances the plant's vigor and vibrant appearance.
This palm is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8–11. It can tolerate mild frost and cold temperatures down to -6 °C (21 °F) for short periods, but it prefers warm, Mediterranean climates. Protect young plants from severe cold.
Phoenix theophrasti prefers well-draining, sandy or rocky soils. It is well-adapted to nutrient-poor soils and can tolerate alkaline conditions. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and ensure long-term health.
This palm is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. Watering should be done sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can be harmful and lead to root problems.
Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. If planting in a garden, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and plant the palm at the same depth as it was in the pot. Water lightly after planting. This palm is ideal for xeriscaping or Mediterranean-style gardens.
Phoenix theophrasti does not require frequent fertilization. However, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can support growth in poor soils. Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding, which can stress the plant.
Maintenance is minimal, consisting mainly of removing any dead or damaged fronds. This palm is resistant to most pests and diseases. Pruning should be done with care, as the fronds have sharp edges. Ensure that the tree has enough space to grow, as the sharp leaflets can be hazardous in high-traffic areas.
Young to intermediate Phoenix theophrasti can be grown in large containers with excellent drainage. Use quality cactus or palm potting mix. Container plants should be placed in the sunniest location available and watered sparingly.
Phoenix theophrasti is typically propagated from seeds. Collect seeds from ripe dates in the fall, clean them thoroughly, and sow in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the seeds warm and moist. Germination can take several weeks to months. Use a heat mat to maintain warm temperatures and accelerate germination.
Soak collected seeds in warm water for 24–48 hours before sowing to improve germination rates. This softens the seed coat and activates the embryo. After soaking, remove any remaining fruit pulp and sow in moist, sterile seed-starting mix.
Plant seeds approximately 1–2 cm deep in well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place seed trays in a warm location (25–30°C or 77–86°F) with bright, indirect light. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues.
Germination typically occurs within 4–8 weeks under ideal warm conditions, though it may take longer. Do not discard seeds prematurely. Once seedlings emerge with their first true leaf, gradually increase light exposure and reduce moisture slightly.
This palm can also produce offshoots (pups) at the base of the trunk, which can be separated and transplanted once they have developed their own root systems. Use a clean knife to carefully remove established pups with roots and plant in well-draining potting mix.
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Bringing tropical paradise to gardens across 190+ countries
At VIRIAR, we specialize in delivering premium tropical plants, exotic palms, and rare seeds from our nursery in Topoľníky, Slovakia to plant enthusiasts worldwide. Every shipment is carefully packaged with phytosanitary certificates and expert care instructions to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive.
We've perfected the art of shipping live tropical plants internationally. Each plant is bare-rooted, wrapped in protective materials, and shipped with moisture-retaining packaging. Our plants are quarantine-certified and come with all necessary documentation for customs clearance.
Real-time tracking from our nursery in Slovakia to your doorstep anywhere in the world
Professional bare-root prep, moisture control, protective wrapping for long journeys.
Official EU certificates and health inspections for international transport.
Track plants from nursery to doorstep with real-time updates.
Weather monitoring and insulated packaging for temperature protection.
Detailed planting instructions and aftercare tips included.
100% alive arrival promise or free replacement.
