How to Fertilize a Sabal Palm

The sabal palm is common throughout Florida.

The sabal palm (Sabal palmetto) is Florida's state tree. Also known as the cabbage palm or palmetto palm, the sabal palm can grow to 80 feet tall with a tall, straight trunk topped by a crown of fan-shaped leaves. Sabal palms are very hardy trees that tolerate most growing conditions from tropical hammocks to swamps. They are salt-tolerant and grow throughout Florida and along the coastline of South Carolina. The University of Florida Agricultural Extension recommends fertilizing newly planted sabal palms only until they are established.

Things You'll Need

• "Palm special" fertilizer, 12-4-12-4
• Calibrated rotary spreader

Instructions

1. Fertilize the sabal palm only between April 1 and August 1.

2. Wait until a new spear appears on the newly planted sabal palm before beginning any fertilizing. Use only a slow-release "palm special" fertilizer with a nutrient balance of 12-4-12-4.

3. Scatter the fertilizer by hand or by a calibrated rotary spreader. Scatter the fertilizer all the way around the sabal palm, extending to 30 feet away from the base of the sabal palm.

4. Apply the fertilizer lightly following the product's directions. Do not allow the fertilizer to become concentrated in any one area, as this can cause root burn. Do not apply fertilizer against the trunk of the sabal palm.

5. Water the fertilized area thoroughly.

6. Continue to apply fertilizer as often as recommended by the product's directions.

7. Stop fertilizing the sabal palm when growth is established. Evidence of established growth is the appearance of substantial amounts of new fan leaves.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use turf grass fertilizer within 50 feet of the sabal palm. Turf grass fertilizer will upset the nutrient balance available to the sabal palm.

References

• Clemson University: Palms and Cycads
• University of Florida: Fertilizer Summary
• Florida Forest Trees: Cabbage Palm (Sabal Palmetto)