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How to Protect Your Lawn and Garden from Frost

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:57:58 GMT

All you need to know about winter frost in Florida

Main Takeaways from This Article:

Frost is ice crystals that form on the surface of plants during cold weather
Frost forms when temperatures are approaching or below 32℉
Frost damage may include wilted leaves, browning, and even crisping
Palms, tropical plants, citrus, and some annuals and perennials may be affected by the cold
Check the 10 day forecast to prepare for the cold properly
Follow the necessary steps in the article to ensure your plants and lawn are protected from frost
Wait until the spring to cut back affected plants

Winter is here in Florida, and with it comes colder weather. Temperatures will lower as we move further into the season. Some nights might see temperatures drop below freezing. Plants and grass that thrive in our warm weather might struggle when cold snaps have temperatures approaching or going below freezing. Frost begins to form and might cause damage to your plants and grass, ruining months of hard work and care. In this article, we’ll go over what frost is, how it affects your lawn and garden, and how to protect against and prevent frost damage.

What does frost damage look like?

Frost damage can look different depending on the plants or grass it is affecting. On grasses such as St. Augustine, frost can fry your grass, turning it more crispy and brown depending on the severity of the cold. Some plants are more tolerant of the cold than others, but for more cold sensitive plants, frost can really put a dent in them. Frost damage can manifest in many different ways on plants. Some plants, such as delicate annuals, will start to droop as temperatures descend past 40, giving them a wilted look. They may perk up as temperatures get warmer during the day. If the wilting is too severe, it can lead to permanent damage, which will cause the leaves to brown and may lead to total plant death. As frost starts to occur, the tips of the plants (i.e. the leaves) will experience the brunt of the damage, as frost will settle there first. The leaves will turn brown upon experiencing intense frost, not recovering from their wilting. On more delicate plants that have fleshier branches such as flowers or vegetables, the branches, not just the leaves, will brown with intense frost.

 What plants are most affected by the cold in Florida?

Many plants in Florida are affected by colder weather. Palms are some of the more common plants affected by frost. Tropical plants such as hibiscus, crotons, and birds of paradise are also affected. Some annuals and perennials may be affected. Citrus, mango, and avocado trees are susceptible to colder temperatures. The maturity of the plant will also be a major factor in determining its ability to survive the cold. Younger, smaller plants with fleshier bark are more susceptible. Plants that have been established in the ground for a longer time are more likely to survive.

How do I protect my plants and grass from frost damage?

There are several measures you can take to protect your grass and plants from frost damage.

4. Cover cold sensitive plants with a blanket before sundown. We recommend our N-Sulate Frost Protection Blankets . Alternatively, you can also use quilts, cloth sheets, or other household blankets you may have. Use Anchoring Pins , rocks, or other heavy objects around the house to keep them in place. Try to cover plants completely with minimal gaps between the cloth and the ground to trap as much heat as possible. For palm trees, wrap the fronds in a blanket and tie it shut like a lollipop.

What do I do for plants that are already damaged by frost?

Do NOT cut back plants immediately after they have already been damaged by frost. The damaged foliage on the top of the plant will serve to insulate the rest of the plant from further damage. Wait until the spring when temperatures warm up to cut back your plants. That way, your plants are safe to grow new branches without fear of frost.

Winter in Florida can be a difficult time for certain grasses and plants. Preventing frost damage will ensure that the hard work you put into caring for your yard will not be in vain. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via our email at info@greenthumbnursery.com or via phone at 813-884-3797. We are more than happy to help!

15 Easy Proven Winner Plants for Your Summer Garden

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:06:57 GMT

Low maintenance plants from Proven Winners that thrive in the summer heat

Master List:

Blue My Mind Dwarf Morning Glory
High Noon Bush Daisy
Vermillionaire Cuphea
Truffula Gomphrena
Luscious Lantana
Sunstar Pentas
Rockin’ Salvia
Lemon Coral Sedum
Meteor Shower Verbena
Colorblaze Coleus
Angelface Angelonia
Double Up Begonia
Suncredible Sunflower
GoldDust Mecardonia
Whirlwind Fan Flower

The summer heat is here in Florida, and with it comes new challenges for your garden. Some annuals you may have planted in the spring might be struggling as the brutal heat and rain comes through. That’s why you need plants that can withstand these harsh conditions while also being easy to care for! These Proven Winners annuals and perennials are perfect for the summer weather, providing low-maintenance vibrancy to your garden. We carry these plants at our nursery, so call us for availability!

1. Blue My Mind Dwarf Morning Glory

Blue My Mind lives up to its namesake by pushing out a mind-blowing amount of beautiful blue flowers not only in the summer but all year. They are heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent choices for lining garden beds that get a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day. They are a ground cover, spreading about 8-16” wide and growing 4-8” tall. These plants are known for surviving many years, making them a great choice for many homeowners. One of our most popular plants, and for good reason!

2. High Noon Bush Daisy

High Noon Bush Daisies affirm their flowers’ Sun-like appearance by being heat and drought tolerant once established. Pollinators like bees and butterflies love their flowers, especially since the plant continuously blooms. Having a mounding habit, they grow to about 10-14” tall and 12-18” wide. Not only will they last you through the summer, they’ll last through the fall and winter if it doesn’t get below freezing. A great choice for both containers and landscaping!

3. Vermillionaire Cuphea

These cuphea will make you feel like a millionaire with the amount of beautiful orange blooms they continuously put out! Vermillionaire Cuphea are both heat and drought tolerant once established, making them perfect for areas with a lot of sun. Their tubular flowers make them a favorite feeder for hummingbirds. They grow fairly large, reaching 18-28” tall and 12-24” wide. They can last even through the winter if they are protected from freezing temperatures. Feel like a million bucks with these plants in your garden!

4. Truffula Gomphrena

Bring a bit of Dr. Seuss’ whimsical charm to your garden with these beautiful Truffula Gomphrena ! These Truffula Tree look-alikes are especially tolerant of heat and drought once established. Bees and butterflies love their continuously blooming flowers. They grow fairly large, reaching about 24” tall and wide, and have many shoots. Due to this, they make excellent cut flowers for a vase inside your home. Be your own Lorax and plant some of these lovely flowers in your garden!

5. Luscious Lantana

The colors on these lantanas are certainly luscious! Coming in a variety of color combinations, Luscious Lantana will leave your neighbors envious of your garden’s vibrancy while tolerating heat and drought. Their flowers attract all types of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They also repel many harmful bugs and are deer resistant, making them excellent choices for lining your fruit, vegetable, and herb beds. They grow about 20-30” tall and wide, but can be maintained at a shorter height. In Florida, they can survive for many years. Use Luscious Lantana as a no-fuss addition to your yard!

6. Sunstar Pentas

Sunstar Pentas will be the star of your garden in sunny areas! These pentas continuously bloom in large clusters, putting out flowers all year. They also attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, especially if multiple colors of pentas are present in the garden bed. They grow about 2’ tall and wide, making them ideal for a middle tier in the garden or even for a container. Let these Sunstar Pentas shine in your garden!

7. Rockin' Salvia

Rockin’ Salvia will rock your socks off with their show-stopping beauty! This variant of salvia grows particularly hardy, being very heat and drought tolerant once established. Their continuously blooming flowers attract many pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They also grow particularly large for a perennial, reaching 30-40” tall and 24-30” wide, and are also deer resistant. Choose Rockin’ Salvia for an easy maintenance showpiece!

8. Lemon Coral Sedum

These lemon-colored sedum will make any garden or container look like a coral reef with their lush, dense foliage. Lemon Coral Sedum make an excellent ground cover or “spiller” for a container, spreading 10-14” and reaching 3-10” tall. Their spongy foliage makes them especially heat and drought tolerant and is also resistant to deer. Bring the sea to your lawn with the luscious look-alikes!

9. Meteor Shower Verbena

Like a cascading meteor shower in the night sky, this verbena will leave your garden sparkling with color! Meteor Shower Verbena excel at being heat and drought tolerant as well as deer resistant. Their lollipop-like flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. They grow 20-30” tall and 8-12” wide, making them great choices for a second row perennial in your garden or a “thriller” in your container. An excellent choice that’s easy to care for!

10. Colorblaze Coleus

These coleuses will leave a blaze of color across your garden with their sheer variety! Many of these variants can be planted together in the same beds to create an array of colors, shapes, and sizes. They also make fantastic container plants. Unlike other brands of coleus, Proven Winners’ Colorblaze Coleuses are tolerant of both sun and shade, meaning you have much more flexibility where you put these plants in your garden. They are also very easy to propagate; simply planting a clipping can yield an entirely new plant. Plant some Colorblaze Coleuses to bring a bit of exciting color and variety to your garden!

11. Angelface Angelonia

Often called the Summer Snapdragon due to their appearance, Angelface Angelonia are a standout flower. As the nickname suggests, they are tolerant of the heat and drought once established, thriving in the summer sun. They grow 18-30” tall and 12-18” wide. Their continuously blooming flowers also have a faint grape soda fragrance, making them ideal for cut flower arrangements in a vase. Let these angelic flowers grace your garden this summer!

12. Double Up Begonia

Double Up Begonias double down on looking beautiful in the tough summer heat. They stand out from other brands of begonias by being tolerant of both sun and shade, making them more versatile as both garden and container plants. These begonias also have double-layered flowers that continuously bloom. Growing in a globular shape, they reach 8-18” tall and 8-14” wide. Their nice shape, low maintenance, and versatility make them easy to splash anywhere around your home!

13. Suncredible Sunflower

These sunflowers are incredible! Suncredible Sunflowers are a standout in the summer, being tolerant of both heat and drought once established. Their continuously blooming flowers attract bees and butterflies. Their size also makes them ideal for cut flower arrangements, with them reaching 24-36” tall and 20-32” wide. Bring a beautiful twist to the classic flower to your summer garden!

14. GoldDust Mecardonia

This mecardonia leaves a spattering of gold dust wherever it is planted! GoldDust Mecardonia brings that bright yellow color while thriving in the summer heat. They make an excellent ground cover or container plant, growing to be 2-5” tall and 16-20” wide. Their cleanliness and vibrant coloring make them a popular choice for summer gardeners. A sprinkling of GoldDust never hurt anyone!

15. Whirlwind Fan Flower

These flowers will fan the flames of desire for summer gardening in your heart! Unlike their name, these flowers won’t put you through a whirlwind of trouble. Whirlwind Fan Flowers are heat and drought tolerant once established, making them easy to care for. Their continuously blooming flowers attract bees as well. They grow to be 8-14” tall and 18-24” wide, making them excellent ground covers or “spillers” for container planting. These are a great addition to any summer garden!

Conclusion

These are some great Proven Winners to use in your summer Florida garden that can beat the heat! Not only will they beat the heat, but they’ll also provide color and joy to your home! If you have any questions, feel free to email us or call us. You can also view our full catalog of Proven Winners that we carry throughout the year. We look forward to serving you!

Selective Weed Control for Your Lawn

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 21:21:46 GMT

Herbicides that will get rid of those tough-to-kill weeds without harming your grass

Main Takeaways from This Article:

Use Atrazine to treat broadleaf weeds on St. Augustine and Zoysia.
Use Weed-Out to treat broadleaf weeds and nutsedge on Bahia and Bermuda.
Use Dollar Weed Control on any type of grass to treat dollar weed and broadleaf weeds.
Use Killzall to treat most kinds of weeds on ProVista St. Augustine grass.
Use Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper on any type of grass to preemptively stop new weeds from growing in.
Use Sedgehammer+ Turf Herbicide to treat nutsedge and broadleaf weeds on any type of grass.

Florida has no shortage of weeds. Our warm weather invites all kinds of flora to live in our environment, including the not-so-desired kinds. That’s why it’s important to know what, how, and when to use certain herbicides on your property to control these weeds. In this article, we’ll go over each of the different products we carry for weed control, how to use them, and when the appropriate time to use them is.

Atrazine

What is Atrazine?

Atrazine is a post-emergent, herbicidal chemical that is effective on most broadleaf weeds. It is safe to use on St. Augustine grasses, zoysia grass, and centipede grass. It is not safe to use on bermuda grass, bahia grass, or rye grass. We carry the product in a concentrate , hose-end attachment spray , 16 lbs. Weed & Feed bag , or 32 lbs. Weed & Feed bag .

How long does it take for Atrazine to work?

Atrazine takes about 4-6 weeks after application to see results. The weeds around it will start to brown gradually until they die off. It is normal not to see much change in the surrounding grass in the first week or two. The gradual nature of Atrazine allows the product to specifically target weeds without harming your grass.

Weed-Out

What is Weed-Out?

Weed-Out is a post-emergent herbicide that contains Trimec, a chemical that is effective on most broadleaf weeds. It is safe to use on Bermuda and Bahia grasses. It is not safe to use on St. Augustine or Zoysia grasses. We carry the product in a regular concentrate and in a 20 pound bag of Weed-Out Plus Lawn Fertilizer . We also carry a variant that additionally has nutsedge control in a concentrate , ready-to-use bottle , or ready-to-spray hose end attachment .

How long does it take for Weed-Out to work?

Weed-Out takes about 2-3 weeks after application to kill weeds. The weeds will gradually start to brown before they die off. You may not see changes within the first week of application. The gradual nature of Weed-Out allows it to be safe to use on grass while targeting weeds.

Dollar Weed Control

How long does it take for Dollar Weed Control to work?

Dollar Weed Control takes about 4 weeks after application to kill weeds. The weeds will gradually start to brown before they die off. You may not see changes within the first week or two of application. The gradual nature of Dollar Weed Control allows it to be safe to use on grass while targeting weeds.

Killzall

What is Killzall?

Killzall is a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate that is effective on many types of weeds, not just broadleaf weeds. It is not safe to use on bahia, bermuda, zoysia, or most types of St. Augustine, as it will kill that grass along with the weeds. However, a new type of improved St. Augustine grass called ProVista has been cultivated to be resistant to this particular herbicide, making Killzall the perfect solution to keeping weeds out of that grass. If you have ProVista St. Augustine, Killzall is the choice for you. We have a quart of concentrate as well as a pint of concentrate .

How long does it take for Killzall to work?

Killzall takes about 1-2 weeks to work. Since it is a non-selective herbicide, it acts faster than most other post-emergent chemicals.

Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper

How long does it take for Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper to work?

Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper works immediately after being watered in. The water on contact causes the granules to release a vapor barrier in the soil they are spread on, which prevents the new weed seeds from germinating. The product protects your lawn from weeds for about 3 months.

When should I use Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper? How often should I use it?

You can use Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper any time of year, as it is safe to use in any temperature. Ideally, you’ll want to use it on any body of grass you have in your lawn. You should use it once every 3 months to provide a continuous barrier of protection throughout the year.

Sedgehammer+ Turf Herbicide

How long does it take for Sedgehammer+ Turf Herbicide to work?

Sedgehammer+ Turf Herbicide usually takes about 1-2 weeks after application to show results. You may not see changes in the first week. By four weeks, the nutsedge should be dead.

Conclusion

There are many ways to treat weeds in your lawn. The time of year, the weather, the type of weed, and the type of grass all affect what kinds of products you can use on your lawn. Be sure to use the appropriate product in the appropriate way to get your lawn looking the best it can! If you want to learn more about taking care of your lawn, read our extensive guide on all aspects of lawn care. If you have any questions, you can reach us by email or by phone. We look forward to further serving you!

How to Keep Your Lawn from Drying Out with Hydretain

Wed, 29 May 2024 20:17:20 GMT

Hydretain: the perfect solution for your dry lawn

Main Takeaways from This Article:

May to early June is an especially dry season for Florida lawns
Watering restrictions prevent people from watering their lawns as needed
Even with reclaim water and no watering restrictions, lawns may still suffer from the heat and drought
Use Hydretain to keep your lawn from drying
Hydretain works by making water droplets from the surrounding humidity and attaching them to plant and grass roots, keeping them hydrated with less necessary watering
Hydretain is great for both plant beds and grass lawns
Available as granules and a hose-attachment spray
Use along with fertilizer to maximize the lush greening effect of Hydretain

Nobody likes a dry, brown, and crispy lawn. Neither the people nor the grass! The best thing you can do during the dry period is use Hydretain. Hydretain will keep your grass looking great, and your lawn will be the envy of your neighbors as they wonder how it could possibly look that lush. In this article, we’ll go over when the dry period is, how Hydretain works, and how to use it.

Conclusion

Hydretain is the perfect product to use during periods of drought. It lowers the amount of watering you need to do on your lawn, saving time, money, and heartache. As a result, you’ll see your grass and plants looking healthy throughout a period when they may struggle to get water. If you have any questions, you can always call us at 813-884-3797 or email us at info@greenthumbnursery.com . We look forward to helping you more in the future!

How to Identify and Treat Bug Damage in Your Lawn

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:27:51 GMT

A detailed guide on how to combat bug infestations in your lawn

Main Takeaways from This Article:

Identify bugs and their damage
Assess the damage and determine the best treatment course
Learn about sod webworms, chinch bugs, grubs, mole crickets, and ants

Questions Answered in this Article:

How do I identify sod webworms in my grass?
How do I treat a sod webworm infestation?
How do I identify chinch bugs in my grass?
How do I treat a chinch bug infestation?
How do I identify grubs in my grass?
How do I treat a grub infestation?
How do I identify mole crickets in my grass?
How do I treat a mole cricket infestation?
How do I identify ants in my grass?
How do I treat an ant infestation?

Identifying bug infestations is a key part of keeping your lawn looking green and healthy. Stopping them in their tracks before they further damage your lawn is important. That’s why we’ve decided to create a guide to help you keep those bugs out of your grass! In this article, we’ll teach you how to identify those bug infestations and how to take care of them. We’ll cover the most common bugs that you may find in your grass and how to treat them.

How do I identify sod webworms in my grass?

Sod webworms are caterpillars named so because of the web-covered tunnels they burrow beneath the grass to hide during the day. Sod webworms are nocturnal, so they usually only come out to feed at night. They start as caterpillars smaller than a centimeter long, then pupate, and finally transform into white-tan moths. The moths then fly from grass to grass, mating and laying their eggs across your lawn. The white moths usually rest on the grass blades, so you can tell if you have them simply by walking in a suspected infestation area and watching the moths fly away.

Photo Credit: James Kerrigan, UF

The damage that sod webworms do to the grass looks like a brown patch upon first glance. Up close, you may notice that the individual blades of grass are chewed through, either from the top or sides of the blades. This will cause the grass to yellow and brown as it experiences stress. The damage will spread at a moderate speed, meaning that the grass is still salvageable after leaving the sod webworms alone for one to two weeks. However, the sooner the infestation is dealt with, the better. The damage will become harder to treat once there is a widespread population of moths across the lawn.

Photo Credit: Steven Arthurs, UF

How do I treat a grub infestation?

Grub infestations spread relatively slowly, so the damage doesn’t manifest noticeably until the local population grows larger. Treating the problem early can definitely help, so using a product like our Grub Killer Plus is one of the best ways to go for an immediate effect. To maximize the effectiveness of this product, water the grass briefly before you spread the insecticide to coax the grubs to come closer to the surface. After you water, spread the insecticide, then water the insecticide in so that it reaches the grubs faster.

Like with sod webworms, if you want season-long protection from grubs, GrubEX is the best option for that. It protects your lawn from grubs for up to four months, so you don’t have to worry about looking out for damage on your grass to identify the problem. It takes effort out of the equation in keeping bugs out of your lawn!

Beneath the grass, tunnels can be seen where mole crickets have dug. These tunnels affect the even level of the grass and damage their root structure. The damage manifests as brown patches on the surface. To diagnose the problem, mix 1.5 tablespoons of dishwashing soap in a gallon of water. Pour the gallon of mixture over a 2x2’ area of grass that looks particularly damaged. Wait about three minutes. After time has passed, you should see mole crickets coming up to the surface if you have an infestation. Two or more is cause for concern.

Photo Credit: N. Leppla, E. Buss; UF/IFAS

Conclusion

These are the most common bugs that will infest your lawn. Learning how to identify them upon signs of damage is key to treating the problem quickly. If you have any questions about your lawn or the bugs that may be in it, you can call us at 813-884-3797 or email us at info@greenthumbnursery.com . We are happy to serve you!

How to Care For Your Lawn

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 21:08:31 GMT

Everything you need to know for year-round lawn care

Main Takeaways from This Article:

Follow our Monthly Lawn Maintenance Schedule for an easy guideline to caring for your lawn year-round
Fertilize heavily in the spring with Fertilome Premium . Use HuMic for thatch.
If there are many weeds in your lawn, use Fertilome St. Augustine Weed & Feed , Weed Out for Bahia lawns, or Atrazine
Place pre-emergent herbicides to prevent new weeds from growing
Spring is a dry season in Florida, so be sure to water accordingly
Keep bugs off your lawn
For the summer, make sure to use gentle or slow-release fertilizers like NitroOrganic or Fertilome Classic Lawn Food
It is too hot to use post-emergent herbicide like Atrazine. Stick to hand pulling weeds and using pre-emergent herbicide to prevent your grass from being damaged.
Summer is our rainy season. Be sure to monitor your water consumption and check your rain sensors to make sure that you are not overwatering.
Fungus is common during the summer due to the rain and moisture of the lawn.
Keep sod webworms off your lawn.
For the fall, you can use our Fertilome Premium again. HuMic is also good for thatch.
Use Weed & Feed for weed control and pre-emergent herbicide.
The fall season is drier than the summer. Be sure to water accordingly.
Keep bugs off your lawn
For the winter, use our Fertilome Winterizer to fertilize.
Winter is perfect for getting your weeds under control.
Watch out for frost damage on particularly cold days. Run your sprinklers early in the morning to protect your grass.
Learn to identify bug infestations and treat them accordingly.

Jump to Questions Answered in This Article:

Where is a good place to start?
Spring

How do I water my lawn in the spring?
How do I fertilize my lawn in the spring?
How do I take care of weeds in the spring?
How do I prevent weeds from coming back?
How do I get rid of dollar weed?
How do I keep bugs out of my lawn in the spring?
How do I treat fungus in the spring?

Summer

How do I water my lawn in the summer?
How do I fertilize my lawn in the summer?
How do I take care of weeds in the summer?
How do I keep bugs out of my lawn in the summer?
How do I treat fungus in the summer?

Fall

How do I water my lawn in the fall?
How do I fertilize my lawn in the fall?
How do I take care of weeds in the fall?
How do I keep bugs out of my lawn in the fall?
How do I treat fungus in the fall?

Winter

How do I water my lawn in the winter?
How do I protect my lawn from frost damage?
How do I take care of weeds in the winter?
How do I keep bugs out of my lawn in the fall?
How do I treat fungus in the fall?

Taking care of your lawn can be difficult for the uninitiated. Thankfully, we are here to make it easy! In this article, we will teach you everything that you need to know, such as how to fertilize your lawn, how to water it, how to treat fungus and bugs, what products to use, and many other tips and tricks. We hope you find this helpful!

Where is a good place to start?

Like with any task, getting started is the biggest hurdle. Thankfully, we have the perfect tool to get you off on the right foot! Our Monthly Lawn Maintenance Schedule is optimally designed to keep your lawn looking fantastic throughout the year. It is a calendar that recommends products throughout the year based on the weather and potential challenges the seasons may bring. You can sign up for our monthly newsletter to get emails at the beginning of each month, reminding you of which products to use and how to use them. It’s a great place to start for anyone looking to maintain their lawn!

Spring

Summer

Fall

How do I treat fungus in the fall?

F-Stop is the best way to treat fungus in the fall. Make sure to water it in after spreading it.

Winter

Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful! We sell all of the products mentioned in the article on the online store or at our storefront. If you have any questions, you can always call us at 813-884-3797 or email us at info@greenthumbnursery.com . We look forward to serving you!

How to Care For Your Palms

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 15:05:17 GMT

The best methods for keeping your palms healthy and thriving

Main Takeaways from This Article:

Trim/clean up the old and waning fronds on your palms
Water about 2 times a week, avoiding as much “overhead watering” as possible
For outdoor container palms, water every day or every other day depending on the weather.
For indoor container palms, water about once a week or longer depending on the moistness of the soil.
Use palm specific fertilizers, as they contain nutrients designed to feed your palms the best way possible.
Fertilize in the spring, summer, and fall. Feeding your plants in colder months may stress them out.
Correct chlorosis (yellowing) on palms with Magnesium Sulfate
Correct “frizzle top” on palms with Manganese Sulfate
Correct new growth malformations with Boron
Treat black spot fungus with a Systemic Fungicide
Treat bugs by washing the palm with an insecticidal soap

Questions Answered in This Article:

What kind of palm do I have?
How do I trim/clean up my palm?
How should I water my palm?
What kind of fertilizer should I use?
When should I fertilize my palms?
Why is my palm yellowing?
Why is my palm frizzling?
Why does the new growth on my palm look strange?
Why does my palm have brown/black spots?
What kind of bugs does my palm have, and how do I get rid of them?

For homeowners and plant parents, taking care of your garden or container palms is of utmost importance to keep them looking healthy and strong. We will teach you everything you need to know about how to maintain your palms, including how to water them, fertilize them, treat diseases, and trim and clean them. But first, let’s find out what kind of palm you are caring for.

What kind of palm do I have?

There are many different types of landscape and container palms, so we’ll go over the most common palms in the Tampa Bay area. To see the full list of palms Green Thumb Nursery carries, check our Palms & Cycads inventory. Even if your palm is not on this list, many of the treatments we will recommend will still work for your palm. Let’s go over the list.

How do I trim my palm?

Depending on the type of palm you have, you may not need to trim their fronds at all! Adonidia palms and foxtail palms are considered “self-cleaning,” meaning that they naturally shed their old fronds as they grow new ones. They tend to brown naturally as they reach this stage. You can peel the fronds off once they are dryer and have less tension when pulling. Alternatively, you can cut them early as you see the signs of their shedding. You can also let the palm shed the old frond entirely on its own!

If your palm is not one of the naturally “self-cleaning” types, such as the pygmy date palm and the queen palm, you will have to trim the fronds yourself to maintain its beauty. Now imagine you have a clock, and the pygmy date palm is on the clock. As you look at the face of the palm-clock, you want to prune the fronds that fall in the bottom half of the 9 to 3 o’clock range. That is where the fronds start to droop and brown. Trimming those fronds off will be healthier for the palm, as it is no longer diverting energy to fronds that are losing their luster. We recommend using a long pair of loppers to get good leverage on the cut as well as to avoid getting poked by its spikes. Cut them as close to the trunk as possible.

If you are cutting a queen palm, it might take some heavy equipment. If your tree is taller than 10’, a ladder may be required to reach the top. You want to use the same clock rule that we used to explain the pygmy date palm’s cutting guidelines - you want to cut fronds that are in the bottom half of the 9 to 3 o’clock range. Check the base of the fronds to see if they are brown. If so, you may cut them. Do not cut fronds that are still green at the base. Use a saw to cut the dead fronds. Protective eyewear may help. Royal palms can be cut in the same way.

Areca palms, which are technically self-cleaning, will require some clean up towards the base of the plant. This is usually as simple as peeling and pulling some of the old fronds off the trunks, similar to how you would with an adonidia or foxtail palm. Avoid trimming the tips of the live branches, as that will essentially terminate the whole branch.

How should I water my palms?

There are several factors you need to take into account to determine how you should water your palms.

How long has the palm been in the ground? If you just recently planted it in the ground outside, make sure you water it every day for two weeks to help it get established. If your plant is well established, water it 2-3 times a week with your irrigation. If you lack irrigation, hand water it with a hose or watering can.
Do you keep it in a container? If so, the frequency at which you water it may need to increase. If you keep the palms outside in the full sun, water them everyday. If kept inside, water once every week or two weeks depending on the rate at which it dries out. Put your finger about an inch into the soil to check its moistness. If it is dry, go ahead and water it.
Where should I water the palm? You should water the palm at its base while avoiding as much overhead watering as possible. We will discuss why that is the case later in the article.
How big is the palm? Depending on the size, your palm’s water requirements may change. If it is big, it needs more water; if it is smaller, less.

What kind of fertilizer should I use?

You should use fertilizer specifically designed for palms. We offer many different products, including granules, liquids, and spikes. We’ll go over each of the products and when to use them, but you should always keep a general palm fertilizer in stock. Our Sunniland Palm Fertilizer is a granule that works for any type of palm, whether they be in the ground or a container. Lutz Palm Maintenance Spikes are ideal for large palms planted in the ground. They are a slow release fertilizer that is absorbed gradually over time. Fertilome Tree & Shrub Food is a good general purpose granular fertilizer that will work well for palms while also being suitable for most of your other trees and shrubs.

Why does the new growth on my palm look strange?

Sometimes, the new growth on palms looks strange. If the fronds do not open properly or are malformed, then you may have a boron deficiency in your palm. This deficiency has many other names: hook leaf, fasciation, fishbone leaf, blind leaf, and accordion leaf. Other symptoms of boron deficiency include a drooping look to the fronds or the entire head of the palm, wrinkled or zig-zag like growth, or even the growth of multiple heads. Yellowing is not a symptom of boron deficiency, as malformed growth usually grows green if there are no other nutrient deficiencies. To treat boron deficiency, we recommend using our Essential Minor Elements . It has a higher concentration of boron than our other palm fertilizers and also contains many other nutrients not typically found in general fertilizers that promote the health of palms, such as manganese, magnesium, iron, sulfur, copper, and zinc.

Photo Credit: T.K. Broschat, UF/IFAS

Why does my palm have brown and black spots?

If your palm has brown and black spots, it may have a fungus called black spot fungus or leaf spots. Leaf spots mostly occur due to how and where the palm receives water and are more common in juvenile palms. If the palm receives too much overhead water through either rain or hand-watering, they may contract leaf spots. It is a common occurrence during the summer time when we get a lot of rain. To treat this issue, we recommend using our Liquid Systemic Fungicide, which is available both in a concentrate and as a ready-to-spray hose end attachment . Follow up fungicidal treatment with a palm fertilizer. However, you want to wait until you notice that the spread of the contagion has stopped before you put down more fertilizer, otherwise you may end up feeding both the plant and the fungus. The iron in our palm fertilizers will also help correct this issue.

Photo Credit: T.K. Broschat, M.L. Elliot; UF/IFAS

What kind of bugs does my palm have, and how do I get rid of them?

Thankfully, palms are naturally resistant to most bugs, especially if they are kept outside and not in your home or greenhouse. However, in the off case where they do get infested, it is usually by the following insects. One is spider mites, which can also form a spider-like webbing on the plant. They can be removed by placing your palm either outside or in the shower and hosing the insects off the plant with water. Remaining spider mites can be wiped off with rubbing alcohol. You can also spray spider mites with certified organic neem oil to kill them. We carry neem oil in a concentrate and a ready-to-use spray bottle . If you are spraying a palm outside, make sure it is either in the early morning or evening, as oil based products may burn your palm if sprayed midday in the sun. Mealybugs, another type of palm insect, can be treated in the same way as spider mites.

Photo Credit: Planta; Lyle Buss, UF/IFAS

Royal palm bugs infest royal palms. Who would've thought? The bugs suck on the fronds of the palm, causing them to develop brown streaks. Eventually, the leaves will look gray and frayed from the infestation. Once the royal palms become too tall, it can be difficult to reach the fronds with an insecticidal spray. The best course of action is to use a systemic drench on the roots of the palm to treat the infestation. Our Tree & Shrub Drench comes in a quart and a gallon and is used to combat bugs on especially large and tall trees. Mix it with water and pour it on the base of the tree to kill the insects and protect the palm for up to six months.

Photo Credit: Lyle J. Buss, Doug Caldwell; UF

Conclusion

Taking care of your palms can be a challenge. Thankfully, we are here to make it easy! We hope that you found this article helpful. Remember to trim and clean your palms when needed, water them correctly, fertilize them, treat for nutrient deficiencies, and watch out for fungus. If you have any questions, you can always call our office at 813-884-3797 or come and visit us at 6913 Sheldon Rd., Tampa, FL 33615. We also have all products listed in the article on our website and at the storefront. We are happy to serve you!

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