1 Gallon Trachycarpus Fortunei in North AL Winter

[csentell1924]

Hello everyone! I just ordered 3 1 gallon Tachycarpus Fortunei from someone in SC, and was wondering about tips on if and how I could keep them alive in the ground in North Alabama (Zone 7b) with planting them this late in winter? The big problem is that we are about to enter a cold spell, with nightly lows dipping into the low-mid 20s. I have not received them yet, but I was also thinking about if the transplanting and cold temps might make them toast out here planting them now. I already know to cover them up and I am going to use some Christmas lights as well. I am new to growing palms so any tips help! THANKS!!!!

Edited January 15, 2020 by csentell1924

[Chris Chance]

Honestly I would wait to plant until the spring temps start to warm things up. They're already going to be a difficult grow there so planting them into the cold ground might cause them to rot before they ever grow any roots. I would keep them warm for the next few months then plant them it the spring. Also plant for winter protection next year. 

[csentell1924]

28 minutes ago, Chris Chance said:

Honestly I would wait to plant until the spring temps start to warm things up. They're already going to be a difficult grow there so planting them into the cold ground might cause them to rot before they ever grow any roots. I would keep them warm for the next few months then plant them it the spring. Also plant for winter protection next year. 

I forgot to mention that I also got a Sabal Minor because it was a good deal. I figured it would be best to wait on the windmill palms. Would it also be best to wait on the Sabal Minors? Or could those go in the ground now?

[kinzyjr]

@csentell1924 First, welcome to the forums!  Personally, I'd wait until spring as @Chris Chance suggested above for any plantings.  Did you get Sabal minor 'Cherokee'?

[Chester B]

Wait until spring.  Putting them in the ground now will most likely cause a big disappointment. 

[SailorBold]

I say plant em.. but put a sealed top wall o water tomato protector around each one

Edited January 15, 2020 by SailorBold

[csentell1924]

9 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

@csentell1924 First, welcome to the forums!  Personally, I'd wait until spring as @Chris Chance suggested above for any plantings.  Did you get Sabal minor 'Cherokee'?

I'm not sure the variety, all the listing said was Sabal Minor. 

[Valhallalla]

With the colder temps the palms are not growing much if at all right now. There would be little if any benefit in planting them now and might actually be detrimental. I would keep them warm and safe for now. Wait until those very low temps are no longer likely and the palms are getting back to actively growing. Covering them and burning Christmas lights only holds off some of the cold but won't provide the heat that all palms need to grow well.

[PalmatierMeg]

Wait until spring.

[Dartolution]

@csentell1924Hey Im in South/Central Alabama myself. 

I agree with the consensus here. Keep them in the house or garage (if warm enough) until the cold spell passes. 

Ive got Chamaerops in the yard here, along with a Sabal Blackburniana, and mule palm (sabal and mule to be planted mid March). 

 

[Rickybobby]

Nothing wrong with growing indoors until spring just don’t keep it soggy. Trachys hate wet soil in pots 

[Allen]

Plant them in April and you will probably still need to cover them for 2 years in 7b from approx Late Dec-early March since they are so small.