The one-gallon palms that we sell are typically between 3 and 5 years old, and have spent the first two years outside, with limited protection, other putting mulch around the pot for insulation, and for a very limited number of plants, a cover to reduce the rain exposure.  

All of the one-gallon palms that we currently sell are from locally sourced seeds.  The Chinese Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus Fortunei), Waggie Palm (Trachycarpus Wagnerianus), and Hybrids of these two types are grown from seeds from mature, local trees that have withstood the winters over the past two decades.  The trees that have been chosen were the best examples that we could find in Richmond, Vancouver, and Victoria, B.C.  Our one-gallon palms have proven to be cold hardy over the past three to five years, particularly the harsh winter of 2016/2017 that set local records for low-temperatures. Those extended cold snaps saw temperatures remain below freezing for weeks.

Planting:

These palms may be planted out directly into the ground, into a larger planter, or kept in the one-gallon pot as a house plant.  Palms do not mind being root bound, and they can stay in the one-gallon pot for several years; however, the palms will grow faster and better planted in the ground.

The potted plants are not as cold-hardy as plants that are in the ground, as the roots are more susceptible to freezing.  The potted palms should be either kept in an area that will not freeze, such as beside the house, in a garage or basement near a window, or if left outside, the pot should be protected with mulch, bubble-wrap or similar insulation. 

When planting the palm, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the pot, and improve the soil with well rotted compost, manure, and/or a slow-growth fertilizer.  The care in improving the soil and choosing a good location will give the palm a good start.  Plant the palm at the same level as the it was grown in the pot.  Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and to increase the insulation of the roots from extremes of temperature.

Palms will grow from full-sun to partial shade.  Palms planted in heavy shade will have longer fronds and petioles than those from palms grown in full sun.

Cold Hardiness: 

The Trachycarpus palms are hardy to -12°C, allowing them to be planted without any protection in any Zone 8 or higher location.  The palms will grow with very minimal protection in Zone 7b (-15°C).  If the palms have some winter protection, such as a favourable microclimate on a property, mulching the plant, and providing protection from the worst of the winter winds, they have been grown successfully in Zone 7a, and even Zone 6 with much more intensive protection.

Fertilizing:

The palms should be fertilized in the growing season with a slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote Plus 15-9-12.  In the Pacific Northwest, the slow-release fertilizer is applied March 21, June 15, and August 15.  Avoid fertilizing after mid- August.  

Watering:

The palms become more drought resistant with age and size, but will grow best with moderate water, including weekly watering during the summer months.  

Growth Rate:

Palms start relatively slowly, and the rate of growth increases with the size of the plant.  Palms grow faster in the ground than in a pot.  Once established, a mature Trachycarpus Palm can grow one foot, or more, per year.  Palms that I have grown have increased from a 1-gallon palm to being eight feet tall in 7 years, and 14 feet tall after 14 years.

Other questions about palms and tropicals? See our other articles on the site. Visit http://www.cherrypointpalms.ca for more.

Happy palm growing!

Cherry Point Palms & Nursery
Steven Read
Steven@cherrypointpalms.ca
604-831-7323

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