How long can I keep my washingtonia in pots before growth gets stunted?

[DreaminAboutPalms]

I picked up two neglected washingtonia hybrids at Home Depot the other week and have been nursing them back to health. I am planning on planting in ground them at some point, but I planted a Robusta in mid may that had trouble acclimating and I don't want to risk these palms. 

My question is, am I stunting the growth of these palms if I keep them potted the rest of summer and plant them in fall? or would it be better just to plant them now snd water them as lot 

The first one is about 3 feet tall with longest front 2 ft. Second one is about 2 and a half feet tall.

 

I am in Austin Texas Zone 8B

[PalmatierMeg]

I live in FL but considering the past winter TX had I don't advise waiting until fall to plant them. They need as much time as possible to establish while weather is warm. My experience with Washies is that they don't like being in pots too long and grow much better in the ground. Just don't dig a quick hole and stick them in the ground. Take time to do it right, prepare the soil, leave no air pockets and water it in. Make sure it gets regular water while establishing and lay some mulch around it to hold in moisture. Washies are tough palms.

[Allen]

Pots stunt most palms.  It will grow faster in ground.

[joetx]

I would get them in the ground now. 

[DreaminAboutPalms]

I planted them in ground today, just before the rain hit so we will see what happens 

Edited July 5, 2021 by DreaminAboutPalms

[PalmatierMeg]

They should take off.