Cocos nucifera (Coconut) in Malta

[Aleitalyyy]

how beautiful is this? but did you put some in the house as a guarantee not to run out? put this one in the house together with the big one you have ... put them behind a window and in spring put them immediately in the ground at the end of April try to do this, or at least that's what I would do ...

and the others you use as an experiment....

[Maltese coconut project]

 Update 20th December 2022 

[Maltese coconut project]

I'm sorry to use a Darwinian survival of the fittest approach but I need to do it the hard way. Last winter the ones that were overly protected perished immediately when I took them out in May 

Edited December 20, 2022 by Maltese coconut project

[Aleitalyyy]

how strange that they died in May... mine when I put it outside in May that has spent the winter at home becomes even more beautiful...

[Maltese coconut project]

Yes because when they are raised for a long period in constant greenhouse like conditions they won't be hardened enough for outside.. 

[Aleitalyyy]

yes possible... mine has never had any problems... probably because it's not exposed to high temperatures at home... now it's always around 16/17 degrees...

when I put it out in may it grows faster...

[Maltese coconut project]

Does it stay 16/17 degrees celcius all winter inside there? 

[Aleitalyyy]

yes absolutely yes, near the window and very fresh...

[Aleitalyyy]

now begins the period that always rains...

now the temperature outside is 9 degrees ...

[Maltese coconut project]

This gives a possibility for survival in my yard where temperatures don't go as low as the rooftop and where light is slightly lower than rooftop but with warmer weather nighttime low 

[Maltese coconut project]

Here most of the rain is in Autumn/fall.  Winters are mostly dry nowadays 

[Aleitalyyy]

2 minutes ago, Maltese coconut project said:

This gives a possibility for survival in my yard where temperatures don't go as low as the rooftop and where light is slightly lower than rooftop but with warmer weather nighttime low 

 

I noticed that the light is not so important for the cocos, mine is always practically in the dark, except when there is the sun that enters through the windows... I think the temperatures are much more important...

[Maltese coconut project]

Temperatures yes absolutely.. But they can maximise photosynthesis and build their food best at 75,000 lux of light.. That's usually equivalent of 7.30am -8am sun. Having said that, more sun has different benefits mostly related to hardening. Let's just not forget what happened to my former big coconut palms in winter 2021-2022 

Edited December 21, 2022 by Maltese coconut project

[gurugu]

They first coco I bought in the late 1980s stayed ah home for 5/6 years and didn't see the sunlight because it was behind some drapes all time long. 

[Maltese coconut project]

Update 21st December 2022 

[Maltese coconut project]

22nd December. Took photos late almost at 4pm (16:00)in the afternoon.. Cloudy day.  Had time to observe new spears growing on small seedlings 

[Maltese coconut project]

The coconut propagators I am using. The first phase (th is one with the blue bottle I will set between 27-29 degrees celcius (80-84 degrees Fahrenheit) but second phase at lower temperature around 23 degrees celcius (73 degrees Fahrenheit) the reason being to keep growth rate slower in winter otherwise they will grow too quick early when weather is still too cool. Hopefully they will be planting size in May 

[iko.]

21 hours ago, Maltese coconut project said:

22nd December. Took photos late almost at 4pm (16:00)in the afternoon.. Cloudy day.  Had time to observe new spears growing on small seedlings 

I'm happy seeing how all these coconuts are getting along in Malta. Your experiments encourage me to try it in Ibiza, where climate is fairly similar to Malta. Some Malta locations have slightly warmer night temperatures in winter, but it's also wetter than Ibiza. 

I don't want to indoctrinate anyone but, don't you think that soil is kinda wet given it's now winter? I like growing tropicals outside their comfort zone and found out that humidity is one of the main killers. Even the most tender, water-loving tropicals, do reasonably well with a dryish period when temperatures and insolation are low. An induced hibernation.

I hope they survive winter!

 

[Maltese coconut project]

I give very little amount with fertiliser. I removed the underplates beginning November.. The most important that they are moist but they aren't soaking wet. Also I used a very good and fast draining media. Finally I think the foliar fertilizer is doing it's job. But it's too early to judge. In my experience growing coconut in Malta most deaths occurred between March and April rather than winter. Could it have been that the minerals inside the plants didn't serve for all the long cool period? Will foliar fertilizer solve the problem? We'll see by the end of April 2023. Also the photos where taken just after the slight watering 

Edited December 23, 2022 by Maltese coconut project

[iko.]

23 minutes ago, Maltese coconut project said:

In my experience growing coconut in Malta most deaths occurred between March and April rather than winter. 

I hear you. I also find challenging the start of the spring.

It’s the accumulative number of hours exposed to colder temperatures and the slower growth. A bit like being hospitalised: you’re likely of being discharged not sick anymore but weaker and so, more prone to fall again.

So far, we’re having a warm winter in the Mediterranean. Keep fingers crossed.

Edited December 23, 2022 by iko.

[Maltese coconut project]

True so far so good, it's milder than usual. Winter 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 were also mild. Winter 2021-2022 was harsh though. But the question is? Is the foliar fertilizer going to significantly improve their chances of survival through winter? Are the spring deaths mostly related to depleted mineral supply in the plants? We are yet to see that in the following months. I also noticed in winter 2020-2021, that plant size also made a difference (plants above 90cm significantly had higher chance of survival). If smaller ones will make it past this winter with the frequent foliar feeding than that will mean that it definitely made a difference and might give us a new light to growing them in some Mediterranean areas 

[Aleitalyyy]

On 21/12/2022 at 10:18, Maltese coconut project said:

 

 

you just need to understand how much the leaves absorb the fertilizer... the cuticle of the leaves is very shiny, giving the impression of waterproof... it's not like a tomato plant...

but I don't know and to be discovered ... only by doing experiments you discover ... I start with the watering of Serenoa repens

[Maltese coconut project]

Foliar fertilizer passes through both the stomata and the plant epidermis though slower at the epidermis. It's ideal to spray on both sides of the leaves 

[Maltese coconut project]

Our daily update.. So far temperatures are quite mild 

[Aleitalyyy]

papaya north west of sicily... come on guys don't give up on coconut

[Maltese coconut project]

One has to identify what causes the plant death. Sensitivity to sudden drop or freeze vs long cools? What is the biology behind it? 

[Aleitalyyy]

from everything I've read and seen in online photos, the mix of cold and wet with shadow creates death ... I think the persistent damp in the earth and the wind is more lethal ... the cold comes later I think. .. the palm trees are all planted near walls and in small holes in the courtyard surrounded by tiles, concrete, or road surfaces where the roots go far and are protected.... (wall, concrete, and sand' are the mix just for it to work ) while (pot, soaked earth and wind) are death...

[Maltese coconut project]

But what causes death by dampness if not an already vulnerable and weak plant? How can the weakness issue be tackled? Is it that they get malnourished due to difficulty abs nutrients from soil during cool temperatures? Does foliar fertilizer solve it? We'll have an answer by the end of April 2023 

[Maltese coconut project]

Merry Subtropical Christmas From Malta      🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

[Aleitalyyy]

hi jonathan when will you send me your little palm tree here in italy? so I put it under my big one and they keep each other company...

hey guys happy holidays!!!!

[Maltese coconut project]

I don't usually export but feel free to contact me if someday you'll travel again to Malta 

[Aleitalyyy]

absolutely yes

Edited December 25, 2022 by Aleitalyyy

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

On 12/22/2022 at 12:11 PM, Maltese coconut project said:

The coconut propagators I am using. The first phase (th is one with the blue bottle I will set between 27-29 degrees celcius (80-84 degrees Fahrenheit) but second phase at lower temperature around 23 degrees celcius (73 degrees Fahrenheit) the reason being to keep growth rate slower in winter otherwise they will grow too quick early when weather is still too cool. Hopefully they will be planting size in May 

Wait a year and a half to two years to plant them in the ground.  In marginal climates, Coconut Palms, even ones of slightly more cold hard varieties, should ONLY be planted in the ground when they are 8 ft. to 10 ft. tall in overall height, and only planted from mid April till mid May to give them as much time to get established as possible before the next winter.

John

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

On 12/23/2022 at 7:59 AM, Maltese coconut project said:

I give very little amount with fertiliser. I removed the underplates beginning November.. The most important that they are moist but they aren't soaking wet. Also I used a very good and fast draining media. Finally I think the foliar fertilizer is doing it's job. But it's too early to judge. In my experience growing coconut in Malta most deaths occurred between March and April rather than winter. Could it have been that the minerals inside the plants didn't serve for all the long cool period? Will foliar fertilizer solve the problem? We'll see by the end of April 2023. Also the photos where taken just after the slight watering 

It is also that it takes a little while sometimes for the full deadly effects of bud rot to set into cold injured Coconut Palms, which is why some will often appear to have survived the winter, only to die in March or April.

John

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

On 12/23/2022 at 10:34 AM, Maltese coconut project said:

True so far so good, it's milder than usual. Winter 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 were also mild. Winter 2021-2022 was harsh though. But the question is? Is the foliar fertilizer going to significantly improve their chances of survival through winter? Are the spring deaths mostly related to depleted mineral supply in the plants? We are yet to see that in the following months. I also noticed in winter 2020-2021, that plant size also made a difference (plants above 90cm significantly had higher chance of survival). If smaller ones will make it past this winter with the frequent foliar feeding than that will mean that it definitely made a difference and might give us a new light to growing them in some Mediterranean areas 

Your chances for them to survive the winters in marginal climates, exponentially increase when the palms are 7.5 ft. to 10 ft. tall in overall height (228.6 cm to 304.8 cm).  So, therefore, I would NEVER consider planting any that are any smaller than this in marginal climates!

John

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

On 12/24/2022 at 9:07 AM, Maltese coconut project said:

One has to identify what causes the plant death. Sensitivity to sudden drop or freeze vs long cools? What is the biology behind it? 

Prolonged chilly damp, but non freezing weather WILL KILL Coconut Palms more so than a night or two at or slightly below freezing.  Coconut Palms CAN take brief periods of freezing/frosty weather better than they can take prolonged chilly damp conditions for a week or two at a time.

John

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

On 12/24/2022 at 11:07 AM, Maltese coconut project said:

But what causes death by dampness if not an already vulnerable and weak plant? How can the weakness issue be tackled? Is it that they get malnourished due to difficulty abs nutrients from soil during cool temperatures? Does foliar fertilizer solve it? We'll have an answer by the end of April 2023 

I think you are on to something, but only part of the problem.  The other part is the palms get bud rot due to the prolonged chilly weather, especially prolonged chilly damp weather, and can also get it after a hard freeze, or a lighter freeze down to 29F to 30F for prolonged periods, but usually come through lighter freezes of around 31F or 32F for a couple of hours just fine, with little if any injury at all, especially if the palms are at least 4 ft. or more tall in overall height while still in a pot, and such temps would not even phase the more cold hardy varieties at all that are in the ground, as long as they are well established, and those kind of temps are not encountered every winter.

John

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

On 12/25/2022 at 6:53 AM, Maltese coconut project said:

Merry Subtropical Christmas From Malta      🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

Jonathan,

I hope you and everyone else had a Good Christmas, better than my FREEZING Christmas, LOL!!!

John

[Maltese coconut project]

In winter 2020 - 2021 I noticed that all coconut palms from below 2 feet died but I had ones from 2 1/2 feet above that survived. Who knows whether the foliar fertilizer gives an advantage this time... I also noticed that worse than damp is the chill winds 

[Maltese coconut project]

We have highly humid nights here (above 90% humidity) but most winter mornings are sunny too. In my area I noticed that chilly winds are worse coconut killer than damp nights though 

Edited December 27, 2022 by Maltese coconut project