Question: Since it is finally humane weather to dig larger holes in our soft, fertile soil, is it too late to plant palms? I am talking about Mexican Fans and Phoenix Palms. Or would I be better off waiting until the first sign of spring?
Palms like hot weather and they like to be planted in the spring or during hot weather. The worst time to plant them is in the fall. We have most of our losses when planting at that time of year.
Now is a great time to get the holes ready, though. Make sure you amend the planting holes with compost and do not use sand. Dig the hole wide to accommodate root growth. Palm roots grow a lot further horizontally than most people realize, and they need well-prepared soil a good distance from planting hole.
Bob Morris is an associate professor with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
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