The root system is extensive with roots attaining lengths of 3-13 metres. Date palms can be propagated from seed but these do not produce fruit that is to true to type. Propagation is also possible from offshoots which grow from the trunk of the tree. Most of these arise from the base of the trunk but some occur as aerial offshoots. After offshoots have reached a length of about 20 cm they can, with some difficulty, be removed from the tree and used as planting material.
Offshoots have the same genetic characteristics as the parent palm.
More recently, tissue culture techniques have been used to propagate date palms. Under good growing conditions, fruit production commences about five years after planting with peak bearing being obtained at year twelve. While the male flowers produce a large quantity of pollen which is attractive to bees, natural pollination generally results in poor yields. Consequently, in commercial production the female flowers are hand pollinated using pollen taken from the male palm. The spathe is cut from the female flower as it begins to open and dried pollen from the male flowers is blown onto the female flowers using an applicator.