The studies on the in vitro response of major varieties of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) through direct organogenesis were taken up at Al-Rajhi Tissue Culture Lab, located in Riyadh. The study aimed to assess the response of major cultivated genotypes to in vitro culture and categorize them based on the time taken for activation. The explant source used in the study was apical meristem obtained from offshoots. Fourteen genotypes namely Segae, Anbara, Barhi, Majhool, Safawi, Ajwa, Sukkari, Khodry, Khalas, Nabtat Ali, Deglet Noor, Asharasi, Gara and Ruthana were selected for the study. The response was defined as activation of apical meristem with the visible stage of bud formation or new tissue formation in the pre-standardized uniform media and supplements. Based on the initial bud formation response, the genotypes were classified as fast response genotypes, medium response genotypes, and least response genotypes or re-calcitrant types. Segae, Anbara, Majhool, Khodry Safawi and Nabat Ali responded within 300-650 days early responsive genotypes. In Barhi and Khalas the response 650 to 1250 days is mid-responsive genotypes. Deglet Noor, Asharasi, Gara and Ruthana are the least responsive (re-calcitrant) genotypes. The least responsive genotypes were characterized by high phenolic exudation explants. The study underlines that the requirement of each variety or genetic entity is specific and the imperative need to focus on the standardization of media and supplements at the cultivar level with emphasis on overcoming the specific impediments.