Hi,

I planted a Sabal Minor also known as a dwarf palmetto in my backyard. I hope it survives. I am in Central Jersey zone 6b. For protection, I will use mulch, leaves, and pine needles as well as an unheated greenhouse cover. Any advice for watering especially during the colder months.

You won't need to water in winter.   I'd water it now though to settle in the dirt around it.  

Good luck!

40 minutes ago, Allen said:

You won't need to water in winter.   I'd water it now though to settle in the dirt around it.  

Hi Allen,

Thanks for the advice! After I planted it I watered the palm. What month should I begin to water my palm more? I know during the summer palms and plants need frequent watering depending on the weather.

21 minutes ago, Palm Tree lover said:

Hi Allen,

Thanks for the advice! After I planted it I watered the palm. What month should I begin to water my palm more? I know during the summer palms and plants need frequent watering depending on the weather.

May/June and especially if you start seeing your turfgrass under stress.   For now water once every week or 2 if there is no significant rain.  S. minor are drought tolerant but once established do much better with plenty of water/sun.   So for you it would be normal to water May-Oct. 

Edited March 12, 20242 yr by Allen

1 hour ago, Allen said:

May/June and especially if you start seeing your turfgrass under stress.   For now water once every week or 2 if there is no significant rain.  S. minor are drought tolerant but once established do much better with plenty of water/sun.   So for you it would be normal to water May-Oct. 

Hi Allen,

Thanks for clarifying!

That’s a beautiful palm don’t forget to Water it every day good luck 👍🌴

1 hour ago, PaPalmTrees said:

That’s a beautiful palm don’t forget to Water it every day good luck 👍🌴

Hi PaPalmTrees,

Thanks for the advice! My area has been receiving a lot of rain lately so the soil is very moist. To prevent root rot, I plan to water my palm once a week since the weather is still chilly.

Hi,

I noticed the spear of my palm is shrinking. Could this be from transplant shock or lack of water? If so, should I be watering it every day? 

I agree with Allen 100%

I've grown them successfully in TN z6b/z7a to maturity and they still flourish. 

Here is a Sabal Minor from the Cole Estate in Sparta Tennessee that I grew from seed from plants that naturalized there 65 years ago.

Mr. Cole (now deceased) was truly our Tennessee Palm Godfather.

 

Hi,

I was able to protect my dwarf palmetto with my pop up unheated greenhouse.

Edited March 16, 20242 yr by Palm Tree lover

Consider monitoring the temperature inside, especially during sunny weather (or vent during sunny weather).

Edited March 16, 20242 yr by Leelanau Palms

8 hours ago, Leelanau Palms said:

Consider monitoring the temperature inside, especially during sunny weather (or vent during sunny weather).

Hi Leelanau Palms,

Thanks for the advice! I open up the greenhouse during the day so the palm can get good air circulation and in the evening I close it. 

3 minutes ago, Palm Tree lover said:

Hi Leelanau Palms,

Thanks for the advice! I open up the greenhouse during the day so the palm can get good air circulation and in the evening I close it. 

You should only be considering protecting this palm in temps under 0-5F.  

5 hours ago, Allen said:

You should only be considering protecting this palm in temps under 0-5F.  

Hi Allen,

I’m protecting my palm because the greenhouse will help it establish a good root system and create a warm microclimate. The extra protection will help with it’s growth.