African Date Palm Plant Care

African Date Palm (Balanites wilsoniana) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family within the Balanites genus. African Date Palm is also known as Wild Date.

African Date Palm displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. African Date Palm produces small, greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted African Date Palm every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

African Date Palm thrives in full sun.

Balanites wilsoniana tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. African Date Palm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for African Date Palm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed African Date Palm every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

African Date Palm is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

African Date Palm can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune African Date Palm while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

African Date Palm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

African Date Palm can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to desert date plant care, which shares the same genus.

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African Date Palm is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

African Date Palm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow African Date Palm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.