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!
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SIMPLE STEPS TO GROW PALM HEART ( CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS )
Chamaerops humilis or palm heart (as it is commonly known) is a palm species of great ornamental interest. In addition, it is also interested in ecology since it is a species resistant to salinity 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 agricultural enthusiasts are growing it in their garden.
Speaking of cultivating, we are going to tell you about the main requirements of the palm heart or Chamaerops humilis.
- CLIMATE : Mediterranean climate. Withstands frost.
- SOIL : resistant to dry, poor and saline soils. basic pH
- IRRIGATION : few irrigation needs. Resistant to drought.
- FERTILIZER : incorporate organic matter in spring and summer
- MULTIPLICATION : seeds.
CLIMATIC CHARACTERISTICS
It usually grows in dry regions where summers are very hot. It is a species from the Mediterranean and as such is adapted to that climate. It is also resistant to frost and intense cold (even 10 ° C below zero). Does not like humidity (a handicap for tropical areas).
In addition, if you have a coastal garden you can include it in your list of plants since 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. It adapts to the vast majority and can grow in poor, dry soils .
However, if you want to give Chamaerops humilis the best conditions, you will have to add 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 is resistant to drought. You can be weeks without watering and the palm heart will not present any deficiency. 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 is good and there are no puddles.
Fertilizer of the palm heart
As with irrigation or soil type, Chamaerops humilis is not a demanding palm on organic matter. Keep a moderately fertile soil by adding homemade compost or animal manure (take a look at the different types of fertilizers ) around the trunk in spring and summer 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 buying plants ) or multiply it from a friend who has it.
Doing so is simple and we can do it through its 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 seedling of hearts of palm 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 palm pruning .
Cheer up with C hamaerops humilis if the weather allows it! You will not find another species as grateful and resistant as the palm heart.