Q: Should I purchase and Indian Date Palm for my landscape?

Q: I have been watching your Indian Date palm grow in the demonstration garden and I cannot get over how quickly it has become a nice specimen palm in the short period of time since it was planted. Should I get one or does it grow well because you are taking care of it?

A: The Indian Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris) is a terrific addition to any Florida landscape. It is growing well because is it the “Right Plant for the Right Place”. We also provide the recommended palm fertilizer spring, summer and fall. I am especially fond of the blue-green fronds. Do not be fooled into thinking the fronds are soft and feathery – they have long spines which can easily prick and cause damage if you are not careful.

The date palms are known for their drought tolerance and fairly slow growth – although ours has nearly tripled in size since we planted it five years ago. They are well suited to Florida conditions if they are not over-watered and are provided with regular applications of palm fertilizer. Remember the ideal palm fertilizer is 8-2-12-4, which is Nitrogen-Phosphorus- Potassium- Magnesium. Use a slow release product unless your soil is alkaline (high pH) then use quick release for all the nutrients.

The date palms have the typical diamond-shaped leaf scars on the trunk of the tree. Most specimen palms are single trunked, including the Indian Date Palm. Do not plant palms or any tree too deeply. Palms should be planted or transplanted only once the threat of frost is gone – now would be a good time of year to start. Keep lawn grass as far away from the palms as possible and keep mulch away from the trunks of any tree, shrub or palm.

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Posted: July 5, 2017


Category: Home Landscapes
Tags: Indian Date Palm, Phoenix Sylvestris


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