Scientists have managed to germinate an extinct date palm tree seed in Israel. I read this article in the July 2006 issue of "Biblical Archaeology Review". The seeds are 2000 years old from an excavation site at Masada. Researchers were given 3 seeds, and one germinated. BAR article says that if it is a female plant, then it may fruit as early as 2010. Woohoo! If it is a male plant, well, then it is just super cool anyhow. Currently, it is about 2 feet high, and growing.

If one in three germinated, I wish the scientist (Sara Sallon) could get more. I would hate to wait years just to find out it is not female.

Also, for seed saving, nature seems to have showed us that moisture content is the critical factor IMHO.

Always an. . .Angel