Frequently asked questions, FAQ

How fast does Phoenix canariensis grow?

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

How tall does the Phoenix canariensis get?

On the Canary Islands a date palm can grow up to 13 meters high. But in the Netherlands they often stay smaller, only a few meters. But it is quite possible to import a larger one from the tropics.

Phoenix canariensis, how often to water?

During the winter period in the cold, a date palm can go a week without water, 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 may need to be made soaking wet as much as 2x in one day.

When does a Phoenix canariensis bloom?

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

Phoenix canariensis, when to prune?

Throughout the year, the leaves of the canariensis can become dry. Once they are too dry for the palm to look nice, 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?

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A Canary date palm is hardy to about -6 degrees Celsius. This means that when it starts to freeze heavily, the palm should be protected. Above this temperature it can withstand the cold.

How do you protect a Canary date palm in the winter?

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Will it be around -6 degrees wind chill? Then protect your palm tree with a protective fleece. Does it get even colder? Then bring the palm inside!

How to care for a Canary date palm

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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 become dry you can cut them off as desired. The palm will survive this. Pamper your Canariensis with extra Palm Focus complex nutrition, as this will make it extra strong and maintain its beautiful green color. 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 it is a bit slower than in a tropical climate.

This is a great palm for inside, or outside winter in the garden, with a unique look. Large mature specimens can be left outside in the winter.

The name says it all, it is native to the Canary Islands, but it is also common in parts of Africa.

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

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

You may also have seen them on vacation in Europe. They are in fact 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 it can be placed in the garden in the spring and summer months as a tub plant, and can withstand a few degrees of frost.

The growth rate of the Canary date palm is reasonably fast. The lower leaves will eventually die off. This is normal, such is its growth habit. These should be removed manually. This creates its stocky trunk.

The Canary date palm has small thorns near the lower leaves.

It is important to know that the root ball (potting soil) of the Canary date palm should never dry out. If it does, the palm may show dried leaves. These need to 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 mature specimens). The leaves can grow up to 5-6 feet long, broad, short-stemmed, and arching overhangs.

The leaflets are green, firm, narrowly lanceolate and v-shaped. The lower petals are often reduced and have spines. The middle partial leaves are 40-50 cm long.

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