Sabal Palmetto

Growing zones: 7b- and up **Note: sabal palms are VERY slow growing, often 10yrs before forming a trunk; (R) sabal is how they will look for a long, long time

  • protection of 12' sabal texana when weather dipped into single digits

1. Planting: If you plan to plant your Sabal Palm in the ground they grow best in full or partial sun and are tolerant of a variety of soil types. If you plant to leave it in a pot just increase the pot size by 2 inches each time you repot to accommodate new growth.

If growing outdoors make sure you give the palm well-draining soil and adequate space above to grow.

2. Watering: It is important to maintain a routine water schedule as they do like drink A LOT of water and like well-draining soil. If you're not sure when to water, simply check the soil about 2 inches down. If the soil is dry here, it's time to water. *Best to never let the soil of a sabal completely dry for the first 6mo. Water 3x a week for about 6mo (rain dependent)

3. Pruning: Cut at the base (close to tree) fronds as that turn yellow or brown. This improves the look of your plant and creates clean space for healthier green fronds to grow. *Good rule is don't cut green fronds and don't trim past a 9-3 line on a clock.

4. Fertilizing: You can apply palm fertilizers that contain specific nutrients best suited for palms. If you prefer, you can also use a balanced fertilizer, such as an 12-4-12 formula, for quicker growth in spring and summer.


(Sabal texana or S. mexicana)(pictured)

Typically this type of sabal is more "stockier" and seeds are larger than sabal palmetto. Cold Hardy to 16 - 18 degrees (lower depending on the age and growth of the cold hardy palm tree),This palm is very durable and will tolerate a wide variety of soil and weather. It is fully adapted throughout Zones 8 and 9, and can even be found in some areas of Zone 7. The Texas palm also known as Texas palmetto, Rio Grande palmetto, palma real, and palma de Micharas, is a native of the lower Rio Grande valley. It is a stocky palm that grows to a height of twenty to forty-eight feet and has large blue-green, fan-shaped leaves that form a thick, rounded crown.

(the Choctaw Casino has several mature Sabal palms, Durant, Ok zone 7b)