These Tables are based on the US Department of Agriculture's heat unit system, calculated from temperatures from flowering to harvesting. The date will grow in soils containing more alkali or salts than most other plants will tolerate, although yields and quality are reduced under saline conditions. There are actually Old Saudi wive's tales that the only way to sprout date seeds is to pack them in salt and bury them in salt. They also have a saying that Dates like their feet in Water but their heads in Hell. Dates produce only 8 to 25 off-shoots, usually during the first five to ten years of growth.
Shoots are heavy and are often difficult to establish when transplanted.
Diameter of the base should be 20 to 35 cm. Leave off-shoots on the parent palm for three to four years before cutting. This can be a dangerous undertaking. Planting off-shoots Remove all lower leaves but retain 10 to 12 leaves around the terminal bud. Tie the young leaves close together with heavy twine and top them by two thirds of their length.