Quck answer
To make a windmill palm grow fast, follow these steps:
1. Choose a suitable location: Windmill palms prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Planting: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and loosen the soil. Place the palm in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently.
3. Watering: Water the palm regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced palm fertilizer every 3-4 months during the growing season to provide essential nutrients.
5. Pruning: Remove dead or damaged fronds to promote healthy growth.
6. Protecting: Protect the palm from harsh winter conditions by covering it or moving it indoors.
By following these steps, you can help your windmill palm grow quickly and thrive.
Windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei, U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11) are ideal for smaller landscapes that desire a tropical ambiance due to their compact size. Originating from central and eastern China, this palm is known for its resilience, although its growth rate is affected by its growing conditions and care. Windmill palms naturally produce new growth at a moderate pace when grown in favorable conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Windmill Palms
Windmill palms are evergreen and can grow anywhere from 20 to 40 feet tall, with a canopy spread of approximately 12 feet. However, those growing in the coldest zone only reach a height of around 10 feet. Their single trunk is covered in hairy fibers, resembling burlap sheets. In fact, these fibers are used to make mats, brooms, and ropes.
The palm’s canopy is filled with large, fan-shaped leaves that have thorn-lined stems. Each frond is about 3 feet wide and consists of 15 to 19 sections. In late spring and summer, drooping panicles that are 2 feet long form and are filled with vibrant yellow flowers. The spent flowers give way to small bluish drupes that contain the palm’s seeds.
Many people in colder climates, where most palm species cannot survive, can successfully grow windmill palms. These palms are among the most cold-hardy and can usually withstand winter temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, those in zone 7 should plant them in a protected area shielded from cold winter winds and add a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Windmill palms grown in their preferred conditions can expect to experience growth of 2 to 3 feet per year. While it is not possible to accelerate the palm’s natural growth rate, providing it with its preferred conditions will result in the best growth. Any plant grown in unfavorable conditions will exhibit slower growth and be less healthy.
Choose a site for windmill palms that receives full sun to partial shade, keeping in mind that partial shade promotes the best growth. These palms thrive in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Avoid planting them in waterlogged areas, as this can lead to diseases such as root rot, which can be fatal to the palm. Poorly-draining sites with full shade will also hinder the palm’s growth rate.
Due to their compact size, windmill palms can be successfully grown in large containers. Ensure that the container has drainage holes at the bottom and use a fertile potting mix that provides good drainage. Many potting mixes contain slow-release fertilizers, reducing the palm’s fertilizer requirements. Check the label to determine the duration of the slow-release fertilizer, as you will need to begin applying additional fertilizer once the nutrients in the potting mix are depleted.
Continued Care and Applications
Windmill palms have a moderate tolerance to drought, and watering them once a week during the growing season is sufficient. In winter, when growth slows down, you can reduce watering to once every couple of weeks or so. Only prune fronds that have completely turned brown, as those with some color are still providing nutrients to the palm. In spring, fertilize the windmill palm with a fertilizer specifically formulated for palm trees, spreading it under the canopy and watering it into the soil.
Tropical Feel with Windmill Palms
Windmill palms are an excellent choice for adding a tropical vibe to your outdoor spaces. Their smaller size makes them perfect for porches, patios, and larger balconies. They also work well when placed near entryways, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Not only do windmill palms serve as decorative accents, but they also add a pop of color to winter gardens. They can be used as pool plants, adding a touch of elegance to the area. Even in colder regions, these palms can be potted and placed outdoors, then brought indoors to a well-lit spot during the winter months.
With their attractive appearance, windmill palms are a beautiful addition to any space they are used in.
