Sabal palmetto
mistakes & successes
In 1983, I started these Sabal palmetto seedlings. Early in their life each one had different experiences that lead to the failure or success.
This is a 20 year old Sabal from the seedlings above.
First mistake; it was planted outside in Tucker GA. when
it was one year old, and it weathered the minus
6 degree temperatures of 1985.
Second mistake;I transplanted it in 1988 just before minus 3
temperatures hit here in Dawsonville.
I guess it is amazing that it is still alive. But it will never
develop into a large Sabal.
Two more 20 year old seedlings from above.
These were grown in a container for 5 years.
The first winter outside these palms, were
frozen to the ground with a -3 night.
It seems that if something tragic ever happens to
a Sabal when it is young, it will never grow
into a mature palm.
Another 20 year old Sabal.
This palm also was frozen to the
ground with a -3 temperature.
Even though it is bigger than the other
palms, I believe it also will never mature.
A 20 year Sabal from seedlings above.
This palm was in a container for 9 years.
Nine years is really too long, unless you
have a very large container.
When it was planted outside , this palm stuggled
for a couple of years to outgrow a very
root bound situation.
With a few covers the first few winters,
this palm grew very successfully.