Sylvester Palm (Phoenix sylvestris)

Native to southern areas of Pakistan and India, Sylvester palms (​Phoenix sylvestris​, U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11) also go by the common names wild date palm, India date palm and sugar date palm. The slow-growing palm tree works well as an eye-catching specimen and definitely adds a tropical flair wherever planted. Generally a hardy tree, Sylvester palms planted in preferred conditions and given appropriate care produce the healthiest and most problem-free growth.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Phoenix sylvestris (sylvestris – Latin, of the forest) also known as silver date palm, Indian date, sugar date palm or wild date palm, is a species of flowering plant in the palm family native to southern Pakistan, most of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It has been introduced to southeastern China, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Puerto Rico and the Leeward Islands.

Phoenix sylvestris ranges from 4 to 15 m in height and 40 cm in diameter; not as large as the Canary Island Date Palm, but nearly so, and resembling it. The leaves are 3 m long, gently recurved, on 1 m petioles with acanthophylls near the base. The leaf crown grows to 10 m wide and 7.5 to 10 m tall containing up to 100 leaves. The inflorescence grows to 1 metre with white, unisexual flowers forming to a large, pendent infructescence. The single-seeded fruit ripens to a purple-red colour.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

The wild date palm enjoys full sun, though light shade is also tolerated. A patio that receives a lot of direct sun is an excellent place for a pot-grown date palm. If you do choose to grow your wild date palm inside, then it should be placed by a window that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant’s growth will be affected without access to sunlight, and if grown in the shade for long periods, the plant will do very poorly.

Temperature

Wild date palm will thrive in temperatures around 32 to 38 ℃, as long as it has access to sunlight. It can also happily withstand temperatures as low as 7 ℃. However, if the temperature drops below -6 ℃, this could cause severe damage to the tree, particularly the fronds. Some species are more tolerant of low temperatures, but most will not survive freezing. Fruit production will also likely suffer at lower temperatures.

Watering

Originating from the arid regions, wild date palm has adapted to thrive with minimal moisture, exhibiting a strong drought tolerance. In its natural habitat, it is accustomed to long periods without water, making it quite resilient. The watering regimen for wild date palm should mimic this environment by providing hydration once every week. As an outdoor plant often found in warmer climates, wild date palm’s ability to store water efficiently makes it well-suited for xeriscaping, contributing to water conservation efforts.

Soil

The optimum soil for your wild date palm is a well-draining sandy loam soil with a pH value of 8 – 11 (so very much alkali). This soil should result in good growth and higher fruit yield. The wild date palm tolerates dry soils well, so it mustn’t become water-logged. It is also essential to use a soil that is not high in calcium carbonate – this can be detrimental to the plant’s growth.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing wild date palm is pivotal for its health and productivity. Apply a balanced nutrition fertilizer monthly during the growing season, as it enhances growth, flowering, and fruiting. In the spring, use high nitrogen fertilizers to support new leaf development. Ensure accurate dosage as per product instructions; over-fertilization can damage wild date palm. Reduce frequency in winter and adjust for plant maturity, as established wild date palm require less. Always water thoroughly post-fertilization to prevent root burn and aid nutrient absorption. Following these tailored guidelines ensures wild date palm’s vigor and beauty.

Planting Instructions

The best time to plant the wild date palm is in the spring or fall. Choose a location with full sun and well-draining soil. Support the crown of the plant to prevent leaves from snapping off. Dig a hole that is twice as deep and wide as the root ball and place the plant in, before filling the hole with just enough loose soil to cover the roots. Then, gently tamp down the soil around the roots until it is slightly more compacted before watering generously.
The wild date palm can also be grown as an indoor or outdoor potted plant.

However, when grown in a pot, the wild date palm will grow much slower and will never reach the size of mature, grounded plants. If planting in a pot, place 5 cm of gravel at the bottom before adding soil. There should only be about 2.5 cm of space between the top of the root ball and the rim of your pot. Fill the space around the root ball with soil before watering well.

Pruning

Be careful when pruning your wild date palm, as pruning too severely will likely result in an increased chance of pests and diseases. Severe pruning can also slow growth and could even cause the death of your plant.

Cut off dead or decaying fronds from the trunk of your wild date palm using a pair of pruners, or even a pruning saw, cutting back to around 2.5 cm from the trunk. This should be done no more than once a year, preferably in late spring. Fronds that have been removed must be discarded, as decaying fronds left at the base of the plant could spread diseases to the plant. You may also choose to remove the frond tips if they are turning black or yellow to improve the plant’s appearance.

Propagation

Wild date palm, a robust palm, thrives in various conditions and is commonly propagated through division, a practical choice for its clumping growth habit. Carefully separate the suckers from the mother plant, ensuring each has an ample root system, and replant promptly to minimize root stress and encourage swift establishment. It’s crucial for gardeners to maintain soil moisture while wild date palm’s new offshoots adapt to their locations.

Transplanting

The best time to transplant wild date palm is from the onset of cooler months to the awakening of early growth in spring, ensuring strong establishment. Select sunny locations with well-draining soil and shield roots from shock with careful handling.

III. Uses and Benefits

The fruit from this palm species is used to make wine and jelly. The sap is tapped and drunk fresh or fermented into toddy. The fresh sap is boiled to make palm jaggery in West Bengal state of India and Bangladesh.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

To produce fruit, a male and female plant must be grown together. Instead of depending on the wind, it is advisable to hand-pollinate because fruiting can be difficult. A female tree will produce fruit after around eight years if grown from seed, and should produce about 20 pounds of dates as a first yield. The fruit can be harvested in the fall and early winter by pulling the ripe fruits from the stalks. You can tell if they are ready to be collected because the fruit will be dark purple with shiny, wrinkled skin. The fruit will ripen at different speeds, so you may have to harvest across a few days – be patient and only harvest the ripe fruit.