When to plant sabal seedlings

[rizla023]

Hello,

I have read sabals like to be in the ground early on. I have a 1.5 year old seedling, just pushing out its third leaf, and I’m wondering how early is too early and what experiences those in SoCal have with sabals. I only have 1 so i didn’t want to risk too much.

Sabal mauritiiformis

thanks!

 

[PalmatierMeg]

I don't plant small strap leaf seedling Sabals. I grow them in pots until they start putting out palmate leaves. That means waiting 2 or 3 years if necessary because of all the hazards that can befall tiny seedlings. Sabals grow slower on the West Coast than here. Be sure they have full sun, regular water during summer heat - they like lots of humidity in summer, not so much in winter.

Be aware S. mauritiiformis is the most cold sensitive Sabal and gets really unhappy at temps down to freezing and below. 

[96720]

I plant them as soon as I buy them this one I planted as a 3 strap leaf seedling it is slow and for some reason rabbits don’t seem to like them!!! Which is a good thing!!!

[PalmatierMeg]

46 minutes ago, 96720 said:

I plant them as soon as I buy them this one I planted as a 3 strap leaf seedling it is slow and for some reason rabbits don’t seem to like them!!! Which is a good thing!!!

Looks good. That Sabal is going palmate. I'd plant it.

Now discourage weeds by spreading mulch in a 2-3 ft circle around the palm. Fast-growing grass/weeds will choke out your slower growing Sabal and steal nutrients it needs to thrive.

[MAPalms]

When do you think I should plant my sabal palmettos? I have one larger one and one smaller one, both in pots. Both are palmate. Zone 7 Massachusetts.

[PalmatierMeg]

Plant them on the south side of the house and add mulch. Figure on significant protection & supplemental heat during winter.

[MAPalms]

Should I wait until it starts getting hot or is it ok to plant them after the last frost? Thank you for your time.

[96720]

I would wait till after the last frost!