Gardening in Arabia: Fruiting Plants in Qatar and the Arabian Gulf (Arabic)

Gardening bythe Arabian stars

Gardening by

the Arabian stars

January

Important dates—2nd: Two small stars, one larger than the other, rise together in a configuration that farmers call al-Marbaaneah. They are present in the night sky for 13 days, and during this time the weather is seasonably cold.

—15th: The constellation of al-Naaim, which farmers call al-Shabat al-Awaal, ascends. This is the fourth of the winter constellations, appearing between Scorpius and Sagittarius, and will remain in the sky for 13 days. While this cluster of stars, also known as Enkood al-Farasha, rises during a period of severe cold, by the time the cluster begins its descent new leaves will start to emerge on trees. These stars are sometimes called bil Naaim, because at this time if it is cold enough the plants in the desert become very green; however, if temperatures fall too low small plants in the desert will burn from the cold. Planting during this time is not recommended, as the groundwater may be frozen and will not be available to nurture plant roots.

—21st: This is the first day of the zodiac sign Aquarius, the second sign of the winter season. Aquarius lasts for 30 days, and during this time temperatures rise and groundwater melts, once again nourishing the roots of plants. This is a good time to relocate or replant small date palms and other saplings. It is also a good time to propagate pomegranate trees, to prune figs and grapevines, and to sow watermelon seeds.

—28th: This date ushers in the cluster al-Balda, considered to be the fifth constellation of winter. It consists of six small, dim stars that are seen with difficulty by the naked eye. This is a good time to transfer date palm offshoots. Mature date palms will begin to flower.

Gardening: During the month of January, gardeners should begin fertilizing date palms with NPK fertilizer (composed of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus). One to 2kg of fertilizer should be used for each tree, varying the amount based on the size and age of the tree, as well as the tree’s date production during previous seasons; the more prolific the tree, the more fertilizer is required. Water date palms twice during this month. Additionally, a pre-emptive application of insecticide at this time will help to avoid later insect infestations. Ficus carica (fig) trees begin to pollinate, and Fragaria ananassa (strawberry) and Zizyphus spina-christi (jujube) are ready for harvest. Many fruiting plants, including Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry), Psidium guajava (guava), Ficus carica (fig), Vitis vinifera (grape), and all forms of Citrus, can be found in the nursery.

February

Important dates—10th: This date marks the appearance of taleh Saad al-Dabeh (Beta Capricorni, Dabih), which consists of two stars, one very bright and the other comparatively dim. The first can be found high in the northern side of the sky while the other is low in the south. These stars become visible by the end of winter. At this time, date palm flowers are mature enough for pollination, and it is possible to tell if a date tree is male or female. Pollen can now be collected from male trees; trees that are around five years old produce the most potent pollen. This is the earliest time of the year when it is possible to pollinate female trees, and one of three opportunities for pollination during the season.

—20th: This date marks the beginning of the time of Pisces, the last constellation in the Arabian calendar. This phase consists of 29–30 days.

—23rd: Two stars ascend at this time, together called Saad Albali. They are said to herald rain, which helps plants to flourish and last longer come spring.

Gardening: This is the time to start planting for spring. Most types of fruiting plants, such as Fragaria × ananassa, (strawberry), Psidium guajava (guava), Ficus carica (fig), Mangifera indica (mango), Carica papaya (papaya), Zizyphus spina-christi (jujube), and most varieties of Citrus are available in nurseries. Date palms require an additional fertilizer, called urea, to be applied during this month. Use approximately 1kg of urea for each established tree, in two applications of 0.5kg each. Reduce the amount of urea if the tree is younger or smaller in size. Water date palms twice during this month, and remove old, spent fronds from the trunk. Additionally, a pre-emptive application of insecticide at this time will help to avoid later insect infestations. At this time, papaya and mango trees come into bloom, and Indian tamarind can be harvested.

March

Important dates—8th: This marks the appearance of taleh Salsuud (Beta Aquarii, Sadalsuud), consisting of three stars, one of which shines very brightly and two of which are very dim. They bring with them the change to more clement weather and, with this shift, plants begin to flourish. All date palms are ready for pollination.

—21st: This marks the beginning Aries, whose length is 31 days, and the first stars of spring. The constellation Saad al-Akhbeeya ascends and is visible for 13 days. This cluster consists of four stars, all very close together. As the month comes to an end, days and nights start to become equal in length.

Gardening: Spring is in the air; trees are flowering and starting to produce fruit. This is the perfect time to start planting all types of seeds, seedlings and saplings. Date palms can be propagated now by separating offshoots, and mature date palms can also be transplanted at this time. Insecticide can be applied to date palms to guard against infestations of al-Humairah, but this should only be done after the palms have been pollinated. Many fruiting trees are flowering, including Terminalia catappa (Indian almond), Syzygium jambolanum (jambolan), Syzygium samarangense (Java apple), Cordia myxa (Assyrian plum), and Mangifera indica (mango). Most fruiting plants begin to bear fruit, and many summer fruit trees can be seeded, especially yellow watermelon and Tamarindus indica (Indian tamarind).

April

Important dates—3rd: The two stars of taleh al-Mokadam (Marchab and Manib al-Faras) become visible. Farmers call this constellation al-Hameem al-Thani. It lasts for 13 days. This also marks the beginning of the pollen season, which in some people can cause allergic reactions, including rhinitis, hay fever and asthma. Due to the pollen, the consumption of salted fish should be avoided during this time.

—16th: This marks the appearance of taleh al-Mu’akhir (Alpha Andromedae, Sirrah and Gamma Pegasi), which is also called Ziraa’ al-Awal (“first forearm”) by farmers. These two stars are visible for 13 days, and are part of the constellation al-Mara’ah al-Musalsalah (The Shackled Woman). By this time, both pollination and propagation of date trees should be complete.

—21st: The constellation al-Thawr (Taurus) appears, which is the second constellation of spring. During this time, all kinds of seeds are sown. Pay extra attention to irrigation, especially for small plants, as the hot summer starts soon.

—29th: Two stars, al-Rasha (Upsilon Piscium and Phi Piscium), appear in the abdomen of the Pisces constellation. Farmers call this time Airaa’ Athani (“second forearm”). Strong winds arrive, commonly known in Gulf Arabic as Riyah al-Meshmesh (“the peach winds”). In some countries of the region, they are accompanied by heavy rain.

Gardening: All kinds of trees begin to flower, and fruit trees and seeds for summer plants can be sown. Date palms are beginning to bear fruit, and these trees require extra care at this time to ensure a healthy harvest. Fertilize date palms with NPK fertilizer (composed of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus), varying the amount based on the size and age of the tree, as well as the tree’s date production during previous seasons. Water trees weekly, or more frequently if the temperatures are unseasonably warm. Apply insecticide to protect against spider mite infestations. Cover emerging date clusters with hessian sacks, and dangle the branches to protect the young fruit from the wind. This month is also a good time to “lighten” the trees by removing weak branches. This will ensure that all the trees’ energy and nutrition will go towards producing healthy fruits. At this time most fruiting trees are flowering, especially Cordia myxa (Assyrian plum) and Ficus carica (fig). Trees bearing fruit this month include Morus alba (mulberry), Musa banana (banana), Terminalia catappa (Indian almond), Manilkara zapota (sapodilla), Syzygium samarangense (Java apple), and Syzygium jambolanum (jambolan). This is a good time to sow seeds for red and yellow watermelon, and to propagate Indian tamarind by seed. Watermelon and yellow melon planted in February are now ready for harvest.

May

Important dates—12th: The constellation al-Shartin (Beta Arietis, Gamma Arietis) becomes visible, bringing with it fair weather in many parts of the world, with the exception of the Arabian Gulf, where seasonal flowers begin to fade.

—22nd: This date marks the advent of the North wind, which grows in intensity to reach maximum strength around the 25th of May.

—25th: Taleh al-Bateen, which farmers call Thoraya al-Kaiith, ascends on this date, and will be visible for 13 days. This cluster consists of three dim stars that are part of the Aries constellation. Strong North winds continue to dominate the weather at this time.

Gardening: Phoenix dactylifera is flowering. Date palms should be fertilized this month with NPK fertilizer, and watered every five days (more frequently if daily temperatures are unseasonably hot). Watermelon vines start flowering, and most of the fruiting plants are ready for harvesting, including Punica granatum (pomegranate), Psidium guajava (guava), Mangifera indica (mango), Morus alba (mulberry), Zizyphus spina-christi (jujube), orange, lemon, and Terminalia catappa (Indian almond). Manilkara zapota (sapodilla) and Musa banana (banana) are also fruiting. Syzygium samarangense (Java apple), Syzygium cumini (Java plum), and Syzygium jambolanum (jambolan) finish fruiting.

June

Important dates—7th: Taleh al-Thuraya (Pleiades, M45) ascends, consisting of the cluster known as the Seven Sisters. This set of stars resembles a question mark, and is clearly visible in the night sky for 13 days. With the appearance of this cluster, the weather becomes dry and hot.

—20th: The appearance of the star Aldebaran in the Taurus constellation marks the three shortest nights of the year, after which nights gradually begin to grow in length. Farmers call this bright star al-Tuwayb, and it is visible for 13 days. Traditionally, people are advised not to eat beans or onions, or anything cold and soft, during this time.

—22nd: The rise of the constellation Cancer marks the beginning of summer. Traditionally, drinking cold beverages is advised at this time.

Gardening: Date palms should be watered every five days during this month, more often if the weather is unseasonably hot. At this time, Ficus carica (fig) starts flowering, and Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) starts flowering for the second fruiting period of the year. Morus alba (mulberry) is fruiting, and some strawberries are still being harvested. This is a good month to propagate mulberry plants by seed.

July

Important dates—3rd: This date marks the appearance of the three stars of taleh al-Haka (Lambda Orionis), which farmers call Bil Jozaa al-Ula. This cluster, which is visible for 13 days, heralds the start of the intensely hot weather across the Arabian Gulf region.

—16th: A pair of bright stars called taleh al-Hanaa, also known by farmers as Bil Jozaa al-Thania, rise into view. These two stars are part of a larger constellation called the Two Orphans, and they are visible for 13 days. During this time the weather is very hot, and the roots of trees stop growing.

—23rd: The sun moves into Leo, the second constellation of the summer. During this period, the intense heat is often accompanied by strong easterly and southeasterly sea winds that increase humidity levels. In previous generations in the Arabian Gulf region, particularly in Qatar, this was traditionally the time when pearls were harvested from the sea.

—29th: Taleh al-Thuraa, a cluster of stars from the Two Orphans constellation, ascends. These stars, known by farmers as Bil Marrzam, are visible for 13 days.

Gardening: July is the month to harvest the fruit from date palms; these trees should also be watered frequently, every three days, very early in the morning so that the water will not evaporate in the heat. Due to the extremely high temperatures, it is not advised to plant any seeds or seedlings at this time, and plants that are less tolerant of strong sunlight should be covered during the day. Cordia myxa (Assyrian plum) fruit can be harvested, and Morus alba (mulberry) and Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) trees continue to flower.

August

Important dates—11th: This marks the appearance of taleh al-Nathra (Beehive Cluster, M44), which farmers call Bil Kalibeen. These stars, which are part of the larger constellation Cancer, are arranged like a cluster of grapes. They are visible for 13 days.

—23rd: Plants need to be watered very frequently and the soil must be worked so that it is ready for planting. This date sees the rise of the last constellation of summer, called al-Sunbulah.

—24th: Canopus, the second brightest star of the nighttime sky, rises over the Arabian Peninsula and the surrounding areas, including Jordan and the region known as Bilad al-Sham (the Levant), which contains modern-day Syria. In addition to Canopus, two stars, together known as taleh al-Turfa, ascend, defining the two eyes of the Leo constellation. They are visible for 13 days. The rise of these two stars marks a change of wind direction in Qatar. This change causes the clouds to pool together, and facilitates rain in the northwest part of the country. This precipitation is known as the rains before al-Wasmi, and although this rain does not water the ground enough to initiate plant growth, it does prepare the soil for the coming season.

Gardening: During this month, plants are particularly prone to insects and pests. At this time, all fruits from date palms should be harvested, and the palms watered every three days in the early morning. Cordia myxa (Assyrian plum) continues fruiting, as well as Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear) and Morus alba (mulberry). Zizyphus spina-christi (jujube) starts flowering.

September

Important dates—6th: The bright cluster taleh al-Giebha (Gamma Leonis, Algieba), also known to farmers as b’al-Ashrut, rises. These four stars, located in the mane of the Leo constellation, reside in the sky for 14 days. It occasionally rains at this time in some areas of the Arabian Gulf region, which is very beneficial to planting.

—20th: This marks the appearance of the vivid cluster al-Zubra (Delta Leonis, Duhr), located on the hip of the Leo constellation. Also known by farmers as al-Hurrthan, these two stars, one brighter than the other, will remain visible for 13 days. While nights become cooler, daytime temperatures remain high, and are rendered more intense by the seasonal northern winds. It rarely rains at this time.

—23rd: The constellation Libra, the first constellation of fall, ascends. It will remain visible for 30 days. While days and nights are still relatively equal in length, nights are gradually becoming longer, marking the beginning of autumn.

Gardening: The end of September marks the last time to harvest dates. These trees still require frequent watering, every three days, in the early morning. This is also the time to propagate date palms using offshoots from healthy trees. All types of palm trees can be found in local nurseries, as well as pineapple plants. At this time Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Ficus carica (fig), Manilkara zapota (sapodilla) and Zizyphus spina-christi (jujube) begin flowering.

October

Important dates—3rd: This marks the appearance of taleh al-Surfa (Beta Leonis, Denebola), known by farmers as Akhr Najoom Suhail. Visible for 13 days, this is the third of the autumn constellations. Consisting of one bright star, located on the tail of the Leo constellation, and several dimmer stars, this cluster is also called al-Surfa. In Arabic al-surfa means “to go”, and this is the time of the year when the hot weather finally goes away. The weather begins to cool and it is around this time that the rains start, commonly known in Gulf Arabic as al-Wasmi. These rains are very important to the region because they herald the growth of Gulf truffles; if the rains do not arrive, the truffles will not appear. The coming of al-Wasmi is a cause for thanksgiving and celebration throughout the Gulf.

—16th: Taleh al-Owa, also known by farmers as Thoraya al-Wasmi, ascends. This cluster, consisting of stars from the Virgo constellation, is visible in the sky for 13 days. At this time it is traditionally ill-advised to eat cold items, beef, or eggplant.

—29th: Heavy rains start with the rising of taleh al-Samaak (Alpha Virginis, Spica). Farmers call this pair of stars Tuwayba al-Wasmi, and it is the second constellation of the al-Wasmi season. These two stars are located in the leg of the lion Leo. While in the past the rains at this time were so severe they would cause floods, in recent years the weather has not been as disruptive.

Gardening: October is the most important planting month in the Arabian Gulf region. Around the 16th of this month is the optimum time to plant all kinds of trees, shrubs, and climbers, annuals or perennials. This is the time to plant seeds for crops, and to propagate trees by grafting. Tasks to be completed this month include pruning date palms and removing dead fronds and fruit in preparation for the next season. In October, date palms can be propagated by separating offshoots, and mature trees can be transferred or relocated. Continue to water date palms frequently, every three days. Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) can be propagated by offshoots or seeds. Manilkara zapota (sapodilla) and Zizyphus spina-christi (jujube) are flowering, and Syzygium jambolanum (jambolan) and Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) should be harvested.

November

Important dates—11th: This date marks the appearance of taleh al-Qafar (Iota Virginis, Syrma), which farmers call Jozaa al-Wasmi al-Ula. This cluster, consisting of three slightly dim stars from the Virgo constellation, is visible at dawn for 13 days. It is the third constellation of the al-Wasmi season.

—22nd: Orion, the last constellation of autumn, ascends as winter approaches.

—24th: This marks the appearance of Beta Librae (traditionally known as Zubeneschamali) and named taleh al-Zabana. It is in the constellation of Libra, the fourth constellation of the rainy al-Wasmi season. It consists of two stars, each from either scale in Libra. This time traditionally brings strong winds and heavy rains.

Gardening: During this month, local nurseries are full of all kinds of plants. Date palms require special care at this time to prepare them for the coming season. Date palms should be cleaned of spent fronds. In this season, fruits are propagated and should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer; 50–75kg per tree (full grown) and 25kg for younger trees. Extend watering to once every two weeks. Throughout this month, date trees can continue to be propagated by separating offshoots from mature, healthy specimens. During this month olive trees should be fertilized with an organic fertilizer, Annona squamosa (sugar apple) starts fruiting, and Syzygium jambolanum (jambolan) and Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) finish fruiting.

December

Important dates—7th: This marks the appearance of taleh al-Eklil (Beta Scorpii, Delta Scorpii, Pi Scorpii), which farmers call al-Murrbaania Murrzim al-Raaee. This cluster of three stars, delineating the head of the Scorpius constellation, is visible for 13 days. It does not always rain at this time; if it does rain, however, Gulf truffles will definitely grow in the desert.

—20th: At the heart of the Scorpius constellation is a shiny star called al-Qalb (Alpha Scorpii, Antares). Farmers know this star as al-Ahaimir al-Murrbaania, and it is visible for 13 days. The appearance of this star marks the beginning of winter.

—22nd: At this time the constellation Sagittarius takes its place in the night sky, remaining there for 30 days. This is the first constellation of winter, and with it comes long nights, short days, and very cold weather.

Gardening: While winter is a dormant season for plants in many parts of the world, it is an excellent time to work in the garden in Qatar. In addition to new planting, all date trees should be pruned, and watering of the palms is limited to once every 15 days. Now is the time to sow seeds for Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry), pollinate Ficus carica (fig), fertilize olive trees with organic fertilizer, and harvest jujube fruit.

* Taleh can be approximately described as ‘ascension’ in an astronomical sense; it forms part of the traditional Arab calendar wherein celestial bodies are tracked to herald propitious cycles for such human activities as farming and animal breeding.

Manilkara zapota Chickoo