Sylvester Palm

An Elegant Low Maintenance Palm

If you’ve always wanted to bring the tropics to your yard, then this is the palm for you. Sylvester Palms grow in a variety of climates and soils. They’re extremely drought tolerant and low maintenance. Plant them, and watch them grow.

This Date Palm variety has the beautiful look that landscape designers are searching for. Their silvery blue-green leaves provide the dazzling color that causes people to stop and stare. They have a unique diamond pattern on their trunk that gives it a textured look similar to a pineapple.

Their long weeping branches spread into a circular canopy for a perfectly symmetrical look. It sits perfectly atop a long trunk. Golf courses and resorts are just dying to get their hands on these, and you can have them in your own yard.

Guests and neighbors won’t know if they’re near your home or a tropical getaway, especially when this palm starts to fruit and clusters of creamy white flowers transition to bright-colored dates, pollinated by birds and insects.

At first, they’re orange and aren’t ready to be harvested until they turn a dark purple to black color. Sylvester dates are commonly used for making wine and jams but can be eaten fresh.

These popular palms sell out fast. Don’t hesitate to get yours today, before they’re gone!

Looking for more palm trees to add to your collection? Check out our guide to popular types of palm trees.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: You don’t have to immediately repot your plant – you’ll only need to repot approximately every other year, once your Palm outgrows its shipped container or original pot. 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. 

This palm is very adaptable and will fill the space you allow it to grow in. For in-ground planting, you can expect your palm to get taller at around 40 ft compared to container-planted palms.

2. Watering: Mist your Palm weekly if kept indoors in addition to regular watering – this ensures that its native humid climate is simulated in your home. 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.

FGT Tip: If fronds begin to yellow, it could be a sign of overwatering. If you see yellowed fronds, allow time for the soil to dry before watering your plant again. Browning fronds, however, mean that your Palm is not getting enough water and needs more. Using a well-draining potting mix is key in getting this balance.

3. Pruning: Simply any fronds as they turn yellow or brown. This improves the look of your plant and creates clean space for healthier green fronds to grow. Be careful of the sharp spines and leaf tips when pruning your palm. 

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 8-8-8 formula, for quicker growth in spring and summer.