How Fast Does a Coconut Palm Tree Grow?

Coconut palms live at least 80 years in adequate growth conditions

Coconut palms, or Cocos nucifera, are moderate growers with a year-long, active growth period and an average life span. Often seen in tropical, sandy beach settings, coconut palms are limited to tropical environments and grow to heights of 60 feet.

Germination

The germination period for a coconut palm is about six months, which is about the time the plant can be transplanted safely to the ground or another pot in a nursery. Germination by seed is the only way coconut palm trees propagate, but they can be grown indoors or out for germination purposes.

Maturity

It takes twenty years for a coconut palm to reach its full height of 60 feet, according to the USDA's Plants Database website. The palm needs certain growth requirements to reach its full potential, such as temperature, which can never dip below 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and soil pH balance, which must range between 4.0 and 8.0.

Lifespan and Fruit Production

Coconut palm trees live at least 80 years, according to the University of Florida Extension website. Coconut fruit production begins when the tree reaches 6 to 10 years of age, and reaches the height of production at 15 to 20 years. The tree will continue to fruit until it reaches 80 years of age. The fruit takes one year to ripen, and each tree produces 50 to 200 fruit per year.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Coconut Palm
• USDA Plants Database: Coconut Palm

Resources

• Palm Tree Care