The Ultimate Guide to Barhi Dates: From Buying Tissue Culture and Offshoots to Sales and Export
Barhi dates, sometimes spelled “Barhee,” are among the most popular date palm varieties in Iran and worldwide. The date palm tree has been cultivated since the earliest civilizations, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of each variety. However, historical records suggest that the primary origin of Barhi dates lies between Khuzestan Province in Iran and Basra in Iraq, where this variety was first cultivated.
Why Barhi Dates Are So Popular?
The fruit of the Barhi date palm is highly sought after at both the “Khalal” (semi-ripe) and “Tamr” (fully ripe) stages. In many countries, Barhi dates are harvested and consumed during the Khalal stage, when they are exceptionally sweet, crisp, and flavorful.
Botanical Characteristics of Barhi Dates
The scientific name of this variety is Phoenix dactylifera. When fully mature, the Barhi date palm reaches a height of 5 to 10 meters, depending on orchard management and maintenance practices. In terms of botanical features—such as the trunk, leaves, and inflorescence—it shares common traits with other date palm varieties.
Ideal Soil for Growing Barhi Dates
The date palm is generally a low-maintenance tree, capable of surviving in poor soils. However, better soil composition and nutrient availability lead to improved growth and yield. For Barhi dates, the optimal soil pH ranges between 6.5 and 7.3.
If the soil in your orchard is highly alkaline or contains excess limestone, corrective measures should be taken by applying ammonium sulfate or sulfur-based fertilizers to balance the pH.
Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial for Barhi date palms, as they are highly sensitive to excessive irrigation and prolonged soil moisture. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal infections, which are often fatal for the tree. In most cases, once root rot sets in, saving the tree becomes extremely difficult.
Best Climate for Growing Barhi Dates
Barhi date palms thrive in hot, dry climates and can withstand direct sunlight and high temperatures up to 56°C (132°F). However, they also require moderate seasonal humidity for optimal fruit production.
The best climate for growing Barhi dates is one that has:
- High temperatures with prolonged sunlight exposure
- Moderate seasonal humidity, rather than constant moisture
- Minimal annual rainfall to prevent fungal diseases
Barhi Date Palm Cultivation in World
Iran is one of the primary regions for Barhi date palm cultivation, with Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces having the largest production areas. Iraq, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, India, Indonesia and Thailand has also a good climate to produce brahi date palm.
If you are considering planting Barhi date palms in a new location, compare its climate with the regions where Barhi is already grown successfully.
Tissue Culture vs. Offshoots: Which One is Better for Barhi Dates?
Tissue Culture Barhi Dates
Tissue culture propagation is the most advanced and reliable method for growing date palms. Tissue-cultured Barhi saplings have strong root systems and establish themselves quickly in the orchard.
Key advantages of tissue culture Barhi saplings:
- Disease-free and genetically uniform
- Faster growth and higher survival rate
- Starts bearing fruit in approximately 5 years after planting
Offshoot Propagation of Barhi Dates
Growing Barhi palms from offshoots (pups) is a traditional method that has been used for centuries. However, success depends on:
- Selecting a healthy offshoot with optimal size and weight
- Choosing the right season for removal and transplantation
- Ensuring proper separation from the mother tree without damaging the roots
While offshoots take longer to establish, they are widely used by traditional date farmers who prefer a cost-effective alternative to tissue culture saplings.
Best Irrigation Methods for Barhi Date Palms
Proper irrigation is critical for Barhi date palms to ensure healthy growth and prevent diseases.
Avoid Flood Irrigation
Flood irrigation is highly risky, especially for young tissue culture saplings, as it can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Avoid Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinkler systems can cause water accumulation on the leaves and the central bud (heart of the palm), leading to rot and tree loss.
Best Methods:
✔ Drip Irrigation – Ensures slow and steady water absorption
✔ Subsurface Irrigation – Delivers water directly to the roots, reducing moisture-related diseases
Pollination: The Key to High-Quality Barhi Dates
Pollination is one of the most critical factors affecting Barhi date production. Unlike some other date varieties, Barhi is highly sensitive to improper pollination, which can result in undeveloped fruits (locally known as “Shees”).
- To ensure successful pollination, follow these key steps:
- Hand pollination by experienced workers
- Use freshly collected pollen from the same season
- Mechanical pollination with dry pollen if necessary
- Repeat pollination if windy conditions occur
- Avoid pollination in high humidity or excessive heat
For tissue culture Barhi palms, avoid pollination until the fifth year after planting.
Best Male Pollinators for Barhi Dates
The Ghanami male date palms (Ghannami Red and Ghannami Green) are considered the best pollinators for Barhi dates. However, their performance varies by region:
✔ In Ahvaz and Abadan, Ghannami Red has shown better results.
✔ In other regions, both types perform similarly.
As of now, there is no definitive research confirming the superiority of other pollinator varieties over Ghannami males.
Final Thoughts
Barhi dates are one of the most sought-after date varieties worldwide, offering a unique balance of crisp texture and rich sweetness. Whether grown through tissue culture or offshoot propagation, proper orchard management—including soil preparation, irrigation, and pollination—is essential for achieving high yields and premium-quality fruit.
By following best practices and ensuring optimal growing conditions, Barhi date farmers can maximize production, improve fruit quality, and enhance marketability for both domestic and export markets.
