Frequently asked questions, FAQ

How fast does Phoenix canariensis grow?

The growth rate of a canariensis depends on the living environment and care. In the Netherlands, when well cared for, as an adult palm (a few years old at least) it could grow up to 30cm. Younger date palms grow at a slower rate, from 3 - 20cm per year.

How high does the Phoenix canariensis get?

In the Canary Islands, a date palm can grow up to 13 metres high, but in the Netherlands they often remain smaller, just a few metres, but it is quite possible to import a larger one from the tropics.

Phoenix canariensis, how often to water?

In the winter period in the cold, a date palm can do without water for up to a week, and then it shouldn't get too much even. But the warmer the weather and the more sunlight, the more water it needs. During the hottest days, a date palm can need to be soaked twice a day.

When does a Phoenix canariensis flower?

After a few years, Phoenix canariensis blooms. This seldom happens with date palms that are indoors, but rather with those that are outdoors and have grown large. The flowering period is around August. It gets pendulous racemes of cream-yellow flowers. Later after flowering, it gets edible red-yellow fruit.

Phoenix canariensis, when pruning?

Throughout the year, the leaves of the canariensis can become barren. As soon as they are too barren for the palm to look beautiful, they can be cut off at the trunk with pruning shears. In this way, the canariensis forms its trunk.

How hardy is a Canary date palm?

A Canarian date palm is hardy to around -6 degrees Celsius. This means that when it starts to freeze very badly, the palm needs to be protected. Above that it can be cold very well.

How do you protect a Canarian date palm in winter?

If it gets about -6 degrees wind chill, protect your palm tree with a protective fleece. If it gets even colder, get the palm inside!

How to care for a Canarian date palm?

Pamper the palm by surrounding the root ball with Mediterranean nutrient soil, for good rooting and a proper nutrient base. Water regularly, but when it gets very cold it needs almost no moisture. When the leaves get dry you can cut them off as desired. The palm will survive this. Pamper your Canariensis with extra Palm Focus complex nutrition, of which it becomes extra strong and retains its beautiful green colour. The Canariensis likes light, so never put it in a dark place.

How long does it take for the date palm to grow?

In the Netherlands, it can take up to 50 years before it reaches its maximum size. In principle, a palm always grows, but in our climate this is a bit slower than in a tropical climate.

The Canary Date Palm (Phoenix Canariensis). The name says it all, it originates from the Canary Islands, but is also common in parts of Africa.

It immediately reminds you of a tropical place and creates a Mediterranean atmosphere in your home.

It has beautiful dark green feathery leaves, and transforms any place in your home into a piece of tropics.

You may also have seen them on holiday in Europe, as they are common along the Mediterranean coast.

With its thick trunk and beautiful leaves it is a feast for the eyes.

It is a very popular feather palm in the Netherlands because in the spring and summer months it can also be placed in the garden as a tub plant, and can endure a few degrees of frost.

The growth rate of the Canary date palm is fairly fast. The lower leaves will eventually die off. This is normal, as is its growth habit. These have to be removed manually, which creates its stocky trunk.

The Canary date palm has small spines at the lower leaves.

What is very important to know is that the root ball (potting soil) of the Canarian Date Palm should never dry out. If it does, the palm may have dried out leaves, which should be removed.

It can grow up to 18 meters high in the wild! It is a dioecious palm with a stocky trunk with leaf scars and a dense crown with 50 to 100 pinnate leaves (in adults). The leaves can grow up to 5-6 meters long, broad, short stemmed and curved overhanging.

The petals are green, firm, narrow lanceolate and v-shaped folded. The lower petals are often reduced and have thorns. The middle petals are 40-50 cm long.

The feather palm can also be placed in the garden in the summer and spring months. If you choose to keep this palm as a tub plant, we advise you to let it hibernate in a frost-free place.