Dates - would you believe it and what will I do with them?

About a month ago Anna and I were given a couple of packets of dates with stones. After enjoying the dates I chucked the stones into an old strawberry container, covered them with compost and forgot about them, but guess what? They are all growing, with shoots reaching for the sunlight.

I only planted them for fun and was surprised to learn on the net that you need a male and a female plant before you get fruit. Further, you can't tell the difference until later in their growth. But the biggest shock came when I read that they grow to a height of one hundred feet! They do have to survive the UK winter of course and I can't see the neighbours being impressed.

So members, the question is what am I going to do with them?

Hi Ron:  You have to be careful with exotics.  They could very well start spreading and before you know it, Wheatley would become Dately.  (Ooo, ouch!  sorry!) 

Thats about what I expected from you James Lol.....so no box of dates sent up to you for Christmas! And is that avatar the real you now?

Hi Ruth, a sticky end no less, so when you come to visit us again here in 'Dately', or Wheatley, Oxford, England bring your climbing boots because the tree's can grow to about 100 feet high apparently. Maybe David will offer to climb to collect...........hmmmn, maybe not! Lol

Err, Coconut Peter? Date Palms produce...............dates!!! A lot smaller but I do take the point and will try not to swallow a coconut Lol

Hope you're well mate.