Fertilization in Zone 8

[plmcrzy]

Re:     Sabel Palmettos and Pindo palms

Reading papers by Dr. Broschat and Dr. Donselman I note they typically recomment fertilization 3 or 4 times per year and that the fall fertilization is especially important. Since most of their work involves Florida or zone 9, I am not clear as to the best times in zone 8 (Wilmington, N.C.). I am particularly interested in whether to apply fertilizer in the fall. My inclination is to NOT apply anything in the fall, or at least nothing with nitrogen in it.

A second question is when to first fertilize these types of palms after transplanting them as mature plants.

[sonoranfans]

(plmcrzy @ Sep. 27 2007,16:52)

QUOTE

Re:     Sabel Palmettos and Pindo palms

Reading papers by Dr. Broschat and Dr. Donselman I note they typically recomment fertilization 3 or 4 times per year and that the fall fertilization is especially important. Since most of their work involves Florida or zone 9, I am not clear as to the best times in zone 8 (Wilmington, N.C.). I am particularly interested in whether to apply fertilizer in the fall. My inclination is to NOT apply anything in the fall, or at least nothing with nitrogen in it.

A second question is when to first fertilize these types of palms after transplanting them as mature plants.

I fertilize every 3 months with palm spikes when soil temps are at 65 degrees or above and every 3 weeks with miracle grow (with the hose sprayer) during the same time period.  Much of what I have read identifies 65 and over soil temps as the active growing season for many of my palms.  The exception being butia capitata, which visibly grows at lower temps, perhaps to 50-55F soil temps.  I'll hit my butias with a little extra miracle grow during their extended growing season.  Just got done putting my last set of spikes in for the year.

[Alicehunter2000]

I am about to fertilize here in N. Florida.......should have already done it at the beginning of the month. Probably use the Palm fertilizer sold at HD.