Today we are going to grow a palm tree that has no exotic origin. In fact it is indigenous to Europe. It is the only representative of the genus Chamaerops, hence its importance. A small, showy and easy-to-grow palm tree. Go ahead and plant it in your garden with these simple tips that we are going to give you!
Simple steps to grow hearts of palm (Chamaerops humilis)
Chamaerops humilis o palmetto (as it is commonly known) is a palm species of great ornamental interest. It also has an interest in ecology since it is a species salinity resistant and poor soil conditions. Its fruits serve as food for the fauna where it grows.
It looks different from the palm trees that we are used to seeing. It is small and round in shape, and that may be one reason why more and more lovers of agriculture are growing it in their garden.
Speaking of cultivating, we are going to comment on the main requirements of palm heart or Chamaerops humilis.
- CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate. Withstands frost.
- FLOOR: resistant to dry, poor and saline soils. basic pH
- IRRIGATION: few irrigation needs. Resistant to drought.
- SUBSCRIBER: incorporate organic matter in spring and summer
- MULTIPLICATION: seeds.
Climatic characteristics
It usually grows in dry regions where summers are very hot. Is a mediterranean species and as such it is adapted to that climate. Plus also it is frost resistant and the intense cold (even 10 ºC below zero). Does not like humidity (a handicap for tropical areas).
Also, if you have a coastal garden you can include it in your list of plants as it supports the coastal environment and saline winds very well.
Soil conditions in the cultivation of palm heart
It is not a plant that requires certain soil conditions. Unlike. Fits the vast majority and can grow in poor soils and dry.
However, if you want to give the best conditions to Chamaerops humilis you will have to contribute organic matter to your soil (we will see it in the fertilizer), improve drainage and achieve a basic pH, that is, a limestone soil.
Irrigation and fertilizer needs
Palm heart irrigation
Weeks (sometimes months) can go by in a Mediterranean garden without a single drop of rain falling. No problem. Chamaerops humilis It is resistant to drought. You can go weeks without watering and the palmetto it will not present any deficiencies. On the other hand, it is not what we want, so in the vegetative growth season we have to provide frequent and small waterings. Make sure the drainage of your soil it is fine and there are no puddles.
Fertilizer of the heart of palm
As with irrigation or soil type, Chamaerops humilis It is not a demanding palm in organic matter. Maintain a moderately fertile soil by adding homemade compost or animal manure in spring and summer (take a look at the different types of fertilizers) around the trunk and it will grow strongly.
Multiplication of Chamaerops humilis
When we want to plant it in our garden, we have two alternatives. On the one hand, buy it in a nearby nursery (follow these tips when it comes to buy plants) or multiply it from a friend who has it.
Doing so is simple and we can do it through your seeds. We select the best seeds and grow them in pots with good temperature (20-25 ºC) and humidity. A commercial substrate or a mixture of organic matter and soil is sufficient.
The only drawback is that it takes a long time to germinate, and it can take several months until we see a small palmetto seedling emerging from the ground. If you are not so patient, you can buy it, since its price is not expensive.
How to prune palm hearts
Although it is not exactly a typical palm tree (tall trunk and large leaves) that we can see in many places, you can follow the advice in the article we wrote about the palm tree pruning.
Cheer up with Chamaerops low if the weather allows it! You will not find another species as grateful and resistant as the palm heart.
