If you are looking for a palm tree that will grow in cooler climates, then Butia capitata or ‘Pindo Palm’ could be the one for you.
Also known as the ‘Jelly Palm’, they will survive right down to zero, however they do perform better in warmer climates.
The common name of ‘Jelly Palm’ relates to the fruits that are often picked and made into jams and jellies. Said to taste like a mixture of apricots, mango and lemon.
Reasonably small growing for a palm tree they will reach around 30ft in height. A large trunk will form over time to around 3ft. They are a spreading palm and will form a crown 20ft across over time.
With a little care when young these wonderful palm trees will grow in a very upright habit. Best used a feature plant in the long term. As they mature and begin to fruit the problem of fruit drop will occur. They are therefore best planted away from walkways and paths.
If planting in an avenue they need a little space. We suggest 12 ft apart as a minimum, at this distance they will eventually form a continuous canopy.
Care
Once established the Pindo Palm is regarded as drought tolerant. They can also be grown in containers, this will slow down growth, however it does mean you can have a palm tree on the patio.
- Best in full sun, although shade for a few hours a day is acceptable.
- Well drained soil
- Good salt tolerance
- Use a specialist palm tree fertilizer in spring, especially in containers.
- Best in USDA zones 8 – 11.
How to Plant Your Pindo Palm
- Choose a position in full sun away from paths and buildings.
- Remove all weeds and grass from the area to be planted.
- Dig over the soil to a width at least twice the size of the root ball.
- Plant at the same depth the tree was in the container or bag.
- Create a small moat around the perimeter of the planting hole to act as a irrigation channel.
- Water in well.
- Mulch around the tree with a good organic mulch to suppress weeds, maintain a cool root run and retain some moisture.
- Fertilize using a 12 month slow release type fertilizer for palm trees each spring.
- Prune away dead fronds in spring.
More Palm Trees
More information
These are not a ‘self cleaning palm tree’. They do not automatically drop the old fronds. You will need to have them removed each year to keep a good clear trunk.
Where to buy
Pindo Palms are available for sale from the following nurseries
THE JURASIC GARDEN at A & A CYCADS
11801 Stagg Street North Hollywood , CA 91605
Phone: (818) 759-0600 Fax: (310) 859-0137 Cell: (310) 770-9657
