Family: Ebenaceae
Scientific name: Diospyros lotus
Common name: Date plum
Origin: Southeastern Europe

Date plums are not often offered, but are the sweet fruits of a hardy tree from southeastern Europe. The naturally up to 30 meter high tree remains in a temperate climate somewhat smaller and is one of the oldest known plants in cultivation. The fruits are mainly produced in Central Asia and are short lasting.
The species is dioecious, so there are male and female individuals. However, female trees also produce fruit without pollination, where there will be no seeds in the fruit. If there is a male tree nearby, there will be seeds in the fruits.

Sowing description: First soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours. Then sow them in sowing mix at put the whole in the fridge for 2 to 3 months. Let them germinate afterwards at a temperature of 20-25 degC. 

Sowing time: November - May
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -20 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: Zeynel Cebeci
Photo 2: Hackfalls Arboretum