Windmill palms fertilizing

[Farmerboy920]

Should I fertilize my palm more before the winter comes? I fertilized them in march and in July. Just curious or wait a few more months. 

[Swolte]

Hi @Farmerboy920, the following is not based on much science, but here's my best (somewhat educated) guess.

We know new growth is more susceptible to cold and that its often beneficial for palms to have hit dormancy (and slow down growth) before winter really hits. If you are growing palms which are marginal or you have a climate that can suddenly go from 90F to 20F in the span of 48 hrs (e.g., there is no hardening off period), I would fertilize 2/3 months before freezes typically start hitting in the area. In my yard in College Station (effectively 8a the last 5 years), we usually get our (now) yearly cold snap around January/February, which means the last time I (lightly) fertilize is the end of September. Most Sabals I have no trouble fertilizing year round (though I usually forget)

[Farmerboy920]

Thank you for advising. I guess I want palms to grow faster 🤣🤣. They have really grown the lady two years in the ground. I just have to be patient. lol 

[Allen]

Fertilize is fine now

[Harry’s Palms]

That Windmill looks healthy . It probably doesn’t need any help at this point. Harry

[Banana Belt]

14 hours ago, Swolte said:

Hi @Farmerboy920, the following is not based on much science, but here's my best (somewhat educated) guess.

We know new growth is more susceptible to cold and that its often beneficial for palms to have hit dormancy (and slow down growth) before winter really hits. If you are growing palms which are marginal or you have a climate that can suddenly go from 90F to 20F in the span of 48 hrs (e.g., there is no hardening off period), I would fertilize 2/3 months before freezes typically start hitting in the area. In my yard in College Station (effectively 8a the last 5 years), we usually get our (now) yearly cold snap around January/February, which means the last time I (lightly) fertilize is the end of September. Most Sabals I have no trouble fertilizing year round (though I usually forget)

You are correct, any new growth on a plant is fragile and susceptible to cold.  And like you further said, it depends on when the next cold spell will happen with respect to last application of fertilizer is helpful or susceptible. 

On a side note, I have noticed that fertilizer programs on scheduled basis during the first years of growth is important to help the palm grow to it's best potential.  If a palm is left languishing during its early years and then only later given fertilizer and other attention, it will respond but will never catch up to another palm that was given attention all along. 

[Farmerboy920]

Thank you for all the responses I fertilize all my a palms x3 a year, I just put about 6 tablespoons of fertilizer on these and watered them in. 

[Farmerboy920]

That make sense about having to fertilize the palms in the under years so the palms can have a healthy life and grow a good foundation. Im trying to get the palms to grow faster 🤣. It cools down about the first of October so I have about 2 months of growth until I have to put winter protection on them. 

[Allen]

48 minutes ago, Farmerboy920 said:

That make sense about having to fertilize the palms in the under years so the palms can have a healthy life and grow a good foundation. Im trying to get the palms to grow faster 🤣. It cools down about the first of October so I have about 2 months of growth until I have to put winter protection on them. 

In GA (Exact location would help)  You won't be winterizing until Mid-Late Dec thru Feb if even then

[Farmerboy920]

I live in upstate South Carolina 

 

[Allen]

9 hours ago, Farmerboy920 said:

I live in upstate South Carolina 

 

Your profile says Georgia