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View Full Version : 3 Years growth of Trachycarpus Fortuneii in z7a, SE TN


Randy4ut
10-23-2009, 08:08 PM
Just thought I would post the growth rate of two of my Trachycarpus that have been in the ground since spring 2005. First two pictures are of them in the summer of 2006 and the last is what they looked like this past spring, 2009. They both went totalled unprotected this past winter with temps hitting 6F twice and several other nights of below 10F. Went about 48 hours of under 32F. You can see some leaf damage, but all in all, I think they did really well. Luckily one is male and the other female and have seeded for the past two years.

Female:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/randy4ut/Palms%202006/100_0968.jpg

Male:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/randy4ut/Palms%202006/100_0967.jpg

Spring:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n225/randy4ut/2009%20Backyard/100_2999.jpg

austinl01
10-24-2009, 09:00 AM
They look great, Randy! Nice growth rates.

Bob
10-24-2009, 09:40 AM
Very impressive growth. They should be pretty well off at this stage of development. Congrats and well done.

austinl01
10-24-2009, 12:30 PM
Here are my windmill palms and their growth rates!

2005 (Two windmill palms)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=25647&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25647)

2009 (Both palms are this height even though one is shown; a new T. wagnerianus planted between the two large fortuneis)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=25650&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25650)

Bob
10-24-2009, 02:55 PM
Randy and Austin, what are you feeding with? I have two that this will be their first winter in the ground since going out in the spring. I was surprised that they didn't seem to put out as much growth as when they were in pots but that can be decieving ....like when you bring in the bananas that supposedly haven't grown for the winter only to find they got huge. I'm hoping though that they grew more in the roots to be that much hardier for winter. I plan on insulating and wrapping around Thanksgiving here. What do you think?

palmtree
10-25-2009, 09:04 PM
Awsome pics. I never respected how fast windmill palms can grow (considering its a cold hardy palm).

Looks great.

Ueberwinden
10-25-2009, 09:45 PM
I have seen Trachycapus that have survived -4 in Louisville, KY. I was going to to buy one, but got some other things instead. He was getting about $25.00 each

Michael

austinl01
10-26-2009, 08:29 PM
Randy and Austin, what are you feeding with? I have two that this will be their first winter in the ground since going out in the spring. I was surprised that they didn't seem to put out as much growth as when they were in pots but that can be decieving ....like when you bring in the bananas that supposedly haven't grown for the winter only to find they got huge. I'm hoping though that they grew more in the roots to be that much hardier for winter. I plan on insulating and wrapping around Thanksgiving here. What do you think?

Bob, I use Carl Pool's fertilizer for my palms. It contains just the right amount of macro- and micronutrients.

I think mulching and insulting the trachycarpus should be done before the temps get in the upper teens if they are newly planted this year.

djmb74
10-26-2009, 08:42 PM
Hmm I always thought compliments helped the plants more than insults, but I do not know anything about trachycarpus... learn something new everyday! :ha::ha::ha::ha::ha::ha::ha:

Bob, I use Carl Pool's fertilizer for my palms. It contains just the right amount of macro- and micronutrients.

I think mulching and insulting the trachycarpus should be done before the temps get in the upper teens if they are newly planted this year.

Randy4ut
10-26-2009, 08:43 PM
Bob, I fert twice a summer... Once about Memorial Day and the other around the 4th of July. If I have a palm fert that I was able to pick up on vacation, I use it, if not, I use 10-10-10 and add some Epsom salt. I used frost clothe and mini Christmas lights when they were young, but have not protected in the past 2 winters.... Good luck. If you get a chance, would love to see current pics of yours!!

austinl01
10-26-2009, 08:44 PM
Hmm I always thought compliments helped the plants more than insults, but I do not know anything about trachycarpus... learn something new everyday! :ha::ha::ha::ha::ha::ha::ha:

LOL!!! Ooops...typo. I think I meant insulating instead of insulting. :ha::ha::ha::ha: That was funny!

Randy4ut
10-26-2009, 08:45 PM
Bob, once established, usually second or third year, trachys can put on 1-3' of trunk a year. Mine started slow, but really took off the past two years...

BananaLee
11-27-2009, 05:05 PM
Bob, once established, usually second or third year, trachys can put on 1-3' of trunk a year. Mine started slow, but really took off the past two years...
Wow! 3' per year?! I thought at the most 2'! Did yours grow 3' in a year? How do you have it grow that fast?

Abnshrek
11-27-2009, 06:34 PM
I would have to say it has alot to do with the plant getting its roots under it, and after that anything is possible if your caring for it and fertilizing it..