Hey Rossco. Dates grow on a plam. The Date palm: Phoenix Dactylyphera. They are a warm weather plant. Seeds, as with many palms, are best if fresh. Sow in a well drained potting medium such as coir and sharp sand, water and do not allow to dry out. High humidity is also essential. The soil temp must be kept warm, over about 25 degrees celsius. Some palms can take over a year to germinate. Not sure about the date palm. As you are in Canada I guess you're talking about an indoor specimen. Best of luck. There is a dwarf date palm too. Phoenix roebellini i think. Not an edible fruit producer. Sharp spines under the leaves. I've got the scars to prove it:)