Bactris gasipaes

[Tyrone]

I've the opportunity to buy a sizable Bactris gassipaes, but am wondering what sort of cool weather they will handle. Some sources say it's a zone 10,11 palm which is fine, but I'm wondering what sort of winter warmth they need.

Anyone know. Any thoughts appreciated.

regards

Tyrone Cripps

[sebastian]

Dont know, but here in SE Q.L.D they grow fine fairly fast, mine is about to trunk.

Ive been trying to keep it solitary, but I think it will end up winning in the end.

[amazondk]

Tyrone,

The Bactris gasipaes grows well enough in Sao Paulo which is pretty far south.  It does not grow as well as here, but that is to be expected.  Sao Paulo can get down around 5 C in the winter.  I would say it would be ok where you are at.  There are spinless varieties.  I like the fruit quite a bit.  It is very good for you.

dk

[ZoneTenNut]

Tyrone,

I have one of these planted in the ground July of 2002. It has been through lows of 33-34F/1-2C, but these were not prolonged cold spells, as they typically only last 2-3 days and then temps shoot back up to normal. It definitely likes hot and humid and thrives in our summers. Growth slows to a crawl in our winters. During those lows, I had a very minimal amount of leaf tip burn.

Roger

[Tyrone]

Roger what are your average max and min temps in winter? How easy do coconuts grow for you? Is this one more or less tropical than a coconut in your opinion? I'm just trying to get a grasp on what your climate is like. I'm beginning to think it may be too tropical for me.

regards

Tyrone

[SubTropicRay]

Mine has seen 28F with about 25% defoliation.  The large specimen at Orlando's Leu Gardens has seen colder than that and survived.  Hopefully Eric Schmidt will see this link and add his experiences there.

[ZoneTenNut]

(Tyrone @ Apr. 30 2007,05:34)

QUOTE

Roger what are your average max and min temps in winter? How easy do coconuts grow for you? Is this one more or less tropical than a coconut in your opinion? I'm just trying to get a grasp on what your climate is like. I'm beginning to think it may be too tropical for me.

regards

Tyrone

Tyrone,

We avg. 76-78F/24-25C for highs and Low 50F's/10C's for lows in the winter. I typically can get one light frost each winter.

I'm a solid Zone 10 and coconuts thrive here. While I'm no means an expert on this palm, I'd say it was close in requirements to a coconut, but being a clumping palm, if it was damaged due to a freeze, would likely regrow from the base. Also, unless you're into the spiny stuff, I'd try and find a spineless specimen, if you decide to try one. I have both types and I'll tell you, the spiny ones are brutal to work around. Even the leaves are very lethal. They do however look very attractive and have beautiful spiny rings on the trunk.

Roger

[The Palm Nut]

Tyrone, you shouldnt have any problem growing these provided you give it the best warm dry spot in winter.

I had one growing for a number of years but removed it as I needing the spot for a driveway. It didnt transplant well due to my lack of care at the time.

Mike

[Tyrone]

Did it flower at all Mike?

[The Palm Nut]

(Tyrone @ May 01 2007,07:23)

QUOTE

Did it flower at all Mike?

Like a lot of my tropical palms the flowers never seem to amount to anything, and I dont recall this one being any different. My next trip up to Brisbane I will purchase another one. I believe there is a spineless one available?

How is your Coconut doing?

Cheers

Mike

[Tyrone]

The coconut is in my greenhouse/plastic tunnel and is about 50cm above the pot and opening it's 5th leaf. I'll have to take a pic. I've got another vigourous one going just recently from another bought nut. This one seems to be growing at double the rate. It must have been real fresh.

If your Bactris flowered it couldn't have been too stressed out with the winter. Did it burn in winter at all?

regards

Tyrone

[The Palm Nut]

(Tyrone @ May 01 2007,18:33)

QUOTE

The coconut is in my greenhouse/plastic tunnel and is about 50cm above the pot and opening it's 5th leaf. I'll have to take a pic. I've got another vigourous one going just recently from another bought nut. This one seems to be growing at double the rate. It must have been real fresh.

If your Bactris flowered it couldn't have been too stressed out with the winter. Did it burn in winter at all?

regards

Tyrone

I thought you had one growing in the ground, "coconut" must of been some other person. The Bactris was growing in a spot with little sunlight in winter and had lots of competion for moisture from the many plants close by. As far as cold damage is concerned, cant recall. I always apply a thick layer of mulch prior to winter which helps keep the roots warm, horse **** and sawdust from the local racetrack actually.

Mike

[Tyrone]

Mike, there is one in the ground a few km's from me. I hope to have a similar one one day.

regards

Tyrone

[Palm Guy]

Tyrone,

I'm currently growing seedlings of Bactris gasipaes Aka the Peach Palm in Bermuda. Technically USDA Zone 11 however we do get some days which are quite cold in the winter. Our lowest ever temperature recorded was 43.5 F. It's year round high humidity (Average of 77%) that helps us grow these tropical palms here such as coconuts and royals. Even though it may be windy here during the winter,  the humidity helps the leaves retain some moisture. I had the seedlings inside my home during winter. All our houses are unheated so it can get quite chilly inside I'd say about 55F to 60F. The coldest we got this year was about 50F on a few occasions. My seedlings are fine. Their about 8 months old and still growing. So they have been subjected to less than ideal tmeperatures. So I'm guessing an older specimen would do fine in your area. If you want to try them out before you plant you mature specimen, try buying a small quantity of seeds and see how the seedlings do in your winter. They are quite easy to sprout. Might be sacrificial, but it would really suck to lose a semi mature specimen due to 'rush' planting.

Mike

[Tyrone]

(Palm Guy @ May 13 2007,09:36)

QUOTE

Tyrone,

I'm currently growing seedlings of Bactris gasipaes Aka the Peach Palm in Bermuda. Technically USDA Zone 11 however we do get some days which are quite cold in the winter. Our lowest ever temperature recorded was 43.5 F. It's year round high humidity (Average of 77%) that helps us grow these tropical palms here such as coconuts and royals. Even though it may be windy here during the winter,  the humidity helps the leaves retain some moisture. I had the seedlings inside my home during winter. All our houses are unheated so it can get quite chilly inside I'd say about 55F to 60F. The coldest we got this year was about 50F on a few occasions. My seedlings are fine. Their about 8 months old and still growing. So they have been subjected to less than ideal tmeperatures. So I'm guessing an older specimen would do fine in your area. If you want to try them out before you plant you mature specimen, try buying a small quantity of seeds and see how the seedlings do in your winter. They are quite easy to sprout. Might be sacrificial, but it would really suck to lose a semi mature specimen due to 'rush' planting.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I just noticed your post. Bermuda must have a very interesting climate and at 32N approx.

I was tempted with the Bactris but as we're getting down to 5C tonight I think I have enough marginal stuff to keep my hands full for the moment. There's only so much marginal stuff your nerves can take when winter comes. During summer I can have so much bravado to try really marginal palms, but once winter comes you're back to reality. I could possibly keep Bactris alive here but if it never looked good it may be a wasted exercise.

Thanks for your comments.

What is your average mid winter max? Just wondering.

regards

Tyrone

[Palm Guy]

No problem Tyrone,

Bermuda is technically considered a warm, humid, subtropical climate USDA zone 11 however with our wind chill in the winters it doesnt feel like it (the palms dont seem to mind the wind chill). There is no frost or snow as we average in winter a low of 60F and a high of 69F. No real big swings in temperature between day and night unless there is a storm approaching. This winter was cooler than normal, our highest temperature for February (considered the coldest month) was 74 F / 23C and our lowest was actually 48F /9C. It's all thanks to the gulfstream which passes right by us. If it wasnt for the Gulf we would be experiencing  South Carolina/ Georgia weather or stretching it maybe, North Florida Weather.

I took a look at your winter averages and it might be a little chilly however the fact that your area does not experience frost works out to your advantage. If you do decide to change your mind and try out the Peach

Palm I would try to water it during winter as its a drier location. Also, we have coconuts palms here that do not look their best after a hurricane or tropical storm hits, just look at it as natures pruning. Its a bugger to look at for a few months after however, don't let it dissuade you.

Regards,

Mike

[Tyrone]

Thanks for that info Mike. Very interesting. I'd think that you have a very similar climate to Lord Howe Island, being the same distance from the equator and a marine climate. I often wondered if coconuts would feel at home on LHI but on LHI it's illegal to grow anything but the 4 native palms. Howeas would grow strong and fast for you I'd imagine. You've got a great climate. Have you tried any Satakentia?

regards

Tyrone

[Palm Guy]

Actually, I havent heard of the satakentia but its name does sound interesting. I'll have to research it. I passed two kentia palms yesterday coming back from a mother's day feast. Unfortunately, I'm not too adept at picking out different kentia palms. I believe they are the only two on the islands. They are quite beautiful palms.

Currently, Bermuda is tryin to promote their own species the Sabal Bermudana. Its a nice looking palm...nothing to write home about. but def one of the better sabals you can get.

If you have a pic of the satakentia please send...

Thanks,

Mike

[Tyrone]

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Satakentia/liukiuensis.html

Satakentia info

[Tyrone]

The Satakentia comes from southern Japan at about 28N and has a similar maritime climate to Bermuda. Other palms that come from this area are Clinostigma savoryana and Livistona chinensis.

Link to Howea genus info

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Howea/index.html

Link to Hedyscepe info

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Hedyscepe/index.html

You'd be able to grow all of these very well as well as all of the Rhopalostylis who like the maritime climate you have. There is probably a great amount of other palms which would be very happy with your climate. You name nearly any palm and you should be able to grow it.

I'm jealous.  

regards

Tyrone

[Palm Guy]

Thanks for all the links Tyrone. I especially liked the satakentia. Will definitely try it once some space clears up in my yard. My small 'Palm Nursurey' is getting smaller with every order i make for seeds. The leaves look very similiar to the coconut palm however I like the satakentia trunk way better. Seems sturdier than the coconut as we have a couple in the city that bend into the road. NEver know when the next storm will push them down.

As for the other links you sent me those palms resemble a palm I have been trying to grow myself. Its actually the bigger version of the exact same palm. I haven't been successful as I think this particular palm might need some cooler storage before planting...But here it is...

Little Mountain Palm

null

Unfortunately, the Livistona Chinensis you mentioned is considered a weed here. We are at war with these suckers. Their everywhere. In my yard alone I have plucked two or three seedlings and there is not one Livistona Chinensis in my neighbourhood.Im guessing birds like dropping the seeds in my banana patch.

My brother has one in his yard and he has about 8-10 seedlings growing beneath it. Its a nice palm however, government wants us to protect the Bermuda Palmetto as much as possible which grows slower than the Chinese Fan.

Have you ever been to Lord Howe Island? Sounds like a good place to visit.

Thanks,

Mike

[Tyrone]

This another one from Southern Japan that will grow for you.

http://www.rarepalmseeds.com/pix/CliSav.shtml

I think this one will grow for you too. I'm trying to grow it here, but have to start with seeds.

http://www.rarepalmseeds.com/pix/CliHar.shtml

Both are really beautiful palms that should love your climate.

I was right that L chinensis would grow for you then. Didn't count on it being a weed though. What a climate you have. Here Washingtonia's come up everywhere.

Do you have habitat photos of Sabal bermudana? I've formed the opinion that all palm looks absolutely stunning and beautiful in habitat.

I've never been to Lord Howe Island, but I'd love too. I'd go on those eco-tourist treks and climb those mountains, take lots of photos.

I couldn't grow Leppidorachis here either. It grew alright in winter, but come summer I had to bring it into the airconditioning. One summer I forgot about it and left it out thru summer. By January I went looking for it and it had rotted away so much there was nothing left. I think it died the first warm day in Oct, the beginning of our warm season. Hedyscepe is fine here in full shade and should do just fine for you.

regards

Tyrone