Planting a dwarf palmetto in my backyard.

[Palm Tree lover]

 

Hi,

I planted a Sabal Minor also known as a dwarf palmetto in my backyard. I hope it survives. I am in Central Jersey zone 6b. For protection, I will use mulch, leaves, and pine needles as well as an unheated greenhouse cover. Any advice for watering especially during the colder months.

[Allen]

You won't need to water in winter.   I'd water it now though to settle in the dirt around it.  

[Leelanau Palms]

Good luck!

[Palm Tree lover]

40 minutes ago, Allen said:

You won't need to water in winter.   I'd water it now though to settle in the dirt around it.  

Hi Allen,

Thanks for the advice! After I planted it I watered the palm. What month should I begin to water my palm more? I know during the summer palms and plants need frequent watering depending on the weather.

[Allen]

21 minutes ago, Palm Tree lover said:

Hi Allen,

Thanks for the advice! After I planted it I watered the palm. What month should I begin to water my palm more? I know during the summer palms and plants need frequent watering depending on the weather.

May/June and especially if you start seeing your turfgrass under stress.   For now water once every week or 2 if there is no significant rain.  S. minor are drought tolerant but once established do much better with plenty of water/sun.   So for you it would be normal to water May-Oct. 

Edited March 12 by Allen

[Palm Tree lover]

1 hour ago, Allen said:

May/June and especially if you start seeing your turfgrass under stress.   For now water once every week or 2 if there is no significant rain.  S. minor are drought tolerant but once established do much better with plenty of water/sun.   So for you it would be normal to water May-Oct. 

Hi Allen,

Thanks for clarifying!

[PaPalmTrees]

That’s a beautiful palm don’t forget to Water it every day good luck 👍🌴

[Palm Tree lover]

1 hour ago, PaPalmTrees said:

That’s a beautiful palm don’t forget to Water it every day good luck 👍🌴

Hi PaPalmTrees,

Thanks for the advice! My area has been receiving a lot of rain lately so the soil is very moist. To prevent root rot, I plan to water my palm once a week since the weather is still chilly.

[Palm Tree lover]

Hi,

I noticed the spear of my palm is shrinking. Could this be from transplant shock or lack of water? If so, should I be watering it every day? 

[Appalachian Palms]

I agree with Allen 100%

I've grown them successfully in TN z6b/z7a to maturity and they still flourish. 

Here is a Sabal Minor from the Cole Estate in Sparta Tennessee that I grew from seed from plants that naturalized there 65 years ago.

Mr. Cole (now deceased) was truly our Tennessee Palm Godfather.

[Palm Tree lover]

 

Hi,

I was able to protect my dwarf palmetto with my pop up unheated greenhouse.

Edited March 16 by Palm Tree lover

[Leelanau Palms]

Consider monitoring the temperature inside, especially during sunny weather (or vent during sunny weather).

Edited March 16 by Leelanau Palms

[Palm Tree lover]

8 hours ago, Leelanau Palms said:

Consider monitoring the temperature inside, especially during sunny weather (or vent during sunny weather).

Hi Leelanau Palms,

Thanks for the advice! I open up the greenhouse during the day so the palm can get good air circulation and in the evening I close it. 

[Allen]

3 minutes ago, Palm Tree lover said:

Hi Leelanau Palms,

Thanks for the advice! I open up the greenhouse during the day so the palm can get good air circulation and in the evening I close it. 

You should only be considering protecting this palm in temps under 0-5F.  

[Palm Tree lover]

5 hours ago, Allen said:

You should only be considering protecting this palm in temps under 0-5F.  

Hi Allen,

I’m protecting my palm because the greenhouse will help it establish a good root system and create a warm microclimate. The extra protection will help with it’s growth.