If you’re looking to add some tropical drama to your landscape, palm trees famously contribute lush, balmy beauty, as well as structural practicality.
Large varieties offer shade and protection against scorching summers and the increasingly severe storms that often follow.
While smaller cultivars visually anchor your landscape and provide sturdy support for foundations.
Naturally, you’ll want to enjoy these benefits as soon as possible. Which begs the question, “How fast do palm trees grow?”
Below, we’ll discuss ten fast-growing palm trees and how to care for them to support their optimal growth rate.
Palm Trees Average Grow Rate
Many types of palm grow between 1-3ft, per year. Smaller varieties, generally those up to 6 feet tall, can take several years to reach full maturity.
Each variety has evolved with its own inherent growth rate. The growth rate is affected by several environmental factors including:
- Planting location, within recommended hardiness zones and soil type
- Water and nutrient availability
- Positioning, with adequate sunlight for healthy photosynthesis
How Fast Do Palm Trees Grow From Seed
Seeds from large Palms, such as the Queen and Carpentaria cultivars, can take anywhere from two to twelve months to germinate. The University of Nevada report most palm germinate after 100 days and achieve relatively poor germination rates of around 20%. Smaller varieties, such as the indoor Parlor palm or fishtail palm often sprout between 10-40 days.
Technically, any Palm tree that produces seed, can be grown from seed. In fact, most Palm trees can only be propagated from seed. Yet, just as with growth rates, germination rates will vary between cultivars.
In general though, once palm seeds germinate, they’ll grow quickly until they mature and slow to their average, documented growth rate.
10 Beautiful Fast Growing Palm Trees
Whether you grow them from seed or purchase mature specimens, you won’t have to wait long to see these gorgeous Palms fill in their planting locations and become brilliant additions to your landscape.
As you peruse each one, be sure to note the following:
- Maturity size – to ensure a good fit in your intended planting space
- Recommended hardiness zone – some cultivars handle the cold better than others
- Sunlight/water requirements – Some tolerate intense, direct sunlight and shade better than others.
Not only do these factors contribute to their growth rate, but they’ll also support the long-term success of your botanical investments.
King Palm
(Archontophoenix alexandrae)
- Mature Size: Up to 100ft
- Growth Rate: 1-3ft per year
King Palm creates a regal presence in the landscape, as it matures to nearly 100ft tall, with a trunk diameter of 12”.
A rounded crown is formed from large, feathery fronds that gracefully hang 6-10ft from a disc-shaped base. The towering trunk is finely textured with rings left behind by fallen fronds.
This palm will experience a rapid growth rate of 1-3ft, per year, when positioned in full to partial sun, in zones 9b-11. Young King Palms grow best in partial shade, while they build up a tolerance for direct sun.
This cultivar can also be grown in pots, in colder climates, and moved indoors for winter, where the ambient temperature remains above 28°F (2°C).
Queen Palm
(Syagrus romanzoffiana)
- Mature Size: Up to 60ft
- Growth Rate: 2-6ft per year
The pendulous fronds of Queen Palm arch out 15ft and grow in a more delicate habit with a distinct, silver-green tone.
These rise from atop a trunk that reaches 60ft, at maturity, and is decorated with swathes of orange flowers that develop ornamental palm dates, in early winter.
Reflecting its growth history, the Queen’s trunk displays a diamond-thatched pattern that supports its upward growth rate of 2-6ft, per year, depending on environmental conditions.
Full sun and acidic, well-draining soil will push growth toward the higher end of this range, in zones 9-11.
Just as with the King’s palm, the Queen prefers partial shade when young. Yet, will continue to thrive in partially shady spots, when mature.
Majesty Palm
(Ravenea rivularis)
- Mature Size: Up to 20ft
- Growth Rate: 12″ per year
While smaller than the previous two, the majestic Ravenea rivularis lives up to its name. Exceptionally large fronds (8ft long) reach out to form a shady canopy 18-20ft wide.
Its shapely trunk has a smooth, ringed texture, in gradient shades of grey. This can propel the Majesty’s palm to 20ft tall, at a rate of 12” per year, in zones 9-11, when planted in partial shade and acidic, fertile soil. This is a stunning ornamental tree to grow in your backyard if you have the space for it.
Its slow growth rate makes this variety conveniently low-maintenance and a great option to nurture as a houseplant, as well. Where it will mature to a more manageable 10ft by 5ft, at the same growth rate, when offered a gritty, well-draining soil similar to cacti and succulent mixes.
Carpentaria Palm
(Carpentaria acuminata)
- Mature Size: Up to 40ft
- Growth Rate: 6ft per year
You’ll often see palms growing in hot, dry climates. But, the Carpentaria prefers humid, coastal zones 10a and 11. Here, its slender grey trunk rises to 40ft, topped by a parasol of billowing, 10 ft-long fronds.
Nestled underneath, strings of small, white flowers hang like pearls from spring through fall. These develop into large bunches of red berries in early winter.
Carpentaria Palms can be grown in pots in colder zones. But, must be brought indoors before outside temps drop below 40°F (4°C).
When planted in nutrient-rich soil and a warm, humid location, this Palm cultivar will grow at a rate of 6ft per year. Making it one of the fastest-growing palms on the market.
Fishtail Palm
(Caryota Urens)
- Mature Size: Up to 60ft
- Growth Rate: 1-2ft per year
The Fishtail Palm offers you two different options with the same unique leaf characteristics.
The Solitary Fishtail Palm has a tall, singular trunk that will rise to an impressive 60ft tall, at a rate of 1-2ft per year.
Heavily cragged by spent fronds, this sturdy stalk is topped with layers of concentric fronds that shimmer in the breeze.
With the same growth rate, the clumping Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis) sends multiple shoots up to a height of 20ft tall. Large fronds sprout in intervals along each shoot.
Both grow best in zones 8b to 11, where they receive filtered sunlight. In these conditions, Fishtail Palms will release ribbons of grey-green flowers that resemble Spanish moss, from a distance.
Windmill Palm
(Trachycarpus fortunei)
- Mature Size: Up to 40ft
- Growth Rate: 8″ per year
The fronds of the Windmill Palm take on the form of wide fans, rather than long fronds, in zones 7-11.
These sprout in a circular manner around the top of a heavy texture and downy trunk that reaches 10-40ft, at maturity. Creating the appearance of a windmill.
With a relatively slower growth rate of 8” per year, this palm species still grow faster than many others. A preference for full-to-partial sun and a tolerance for different soil types keep this variety growing at optimal speed.
The trade-off is that the Windmill Palm is exceptionally cold-hardy and will even thrive in regions that receive a bit of winter snow. In spring, panicles of yellow blooms welcome the season.
Foxtail Palm
(Wodyetia bifurcata)
- Mature Size: Up to 35ft
- Growth Rate: 12-15″ per year
The Foxtail Palm presents slender leaflets that spiral around 8-10ft long stems. This effect gives each frond the appearance of a fox’s bushy tail.
Clumping fronds sprout from the trunk’s very narrow and smooth top. The bottom, which is lightly textured with faint rings, pushes this palm’s height to between 30 and 35ft tall, at a rate of 12-15” per year.
In summer, clusters of yellow “pom-pom” flower buds along extended stems, just below the frond canopy. By early winter, these flowers become bunches of orange-red seed pods.
Optimal growth rate, lush foliage, and flowering are fueled by full sun positioning. Yet, Foxtail palms will tolerate partially shady locations, as well, in zones 10 and 11.
Jussara Palm
- Mature Size: Up to 30ft
- Growth Rate: 2ft per year
The Jussara Palm (Euterpe edulis) is a familiar site on tropical shores, making it highly effective in the coastal home landscapes of zones 10 and 11.
Atop a narrow, rugged trunk that rises 30ft into the air, large, feathery fronds sway in the breeze. Each is lined with delicate, slender leaflets that drape from long stems until caught by the wind.
In summer, flowered streamers of creamy white hang in bundles from just beneath the overhanging fronds. Each tiny bloom develops into a small black seed pod, in early winter.
Jussara Palms in all stages of growth will thrive in full sun. However, it’s best to partially shade young trees as they build up a tolerance for full sun.
California Fan Palm
(Washingtonia filifera)
- Mature Size: Up to 56ft
- Growth Rate: 12-18″ per year
The California Palm is an icon of its home state’s stunning coastline, desert terrain, and snowy hills.
Rising to a mature height of 65ft, a hefty, brown, textured trunk is topped with a rounded crown of 6 ft-long, spiked fans that ripple in the ocean breeze. As new fans sprout, old ones brown and hang from the crown’s base, giving this palm multi-faceted appeal.
But, not to worry. In-home landscapes, this cold-hardy, and drought-tolerant palm will typically mature to a more manageable 30ft tall, at a rate of 12-18” per year.
Vibrant green fronds will continue to sprout and flourish in zones 8b – 11 when planted in full sun and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
Mexican Fan Palm
(Washingtonia robusta)
- Mature Size: Up to 100ft
- Growth Rate: 3-5ft per year
My final recommendation is a cousin to the California cultivar, the Mexican Fan Palm.
Far taller than they are wide, these palms reach a towering 100ft of mature height, with a loose, rounded crown of plumed fronds that span 3-5 ft wide.
The center of each crown is highlighted by a deep auburn base that offers a beautiful point of color contrast against the more neutral shades of the foliage and trunk.
Mexican palms will be right at home in larger landscapes that offer full sun and well-draining soil. Filling in quickly with a growth rate of 3ft per year, in zones 9a – 11.
While relatively cold-hardy, this Robusta variety is not as cold-tolerant as its Filifera cousin.
Helping Palm Trees Grow Faster
Choosing a Palm variety and understanding its growth rate are just the first steps. Your next step is to determine how to grow your new palm tree to reach its optimal growth rate. Which is as easy as ensuring that all their needs are met.
Temperature
With a few exceptions, Palm trees will stay vibrant green and grow quickly when temperatures are between 64°F and 82°F (18°C – 28°C).
Temperatures outside of this range may cause fronds to brown and tear, in addition to slowed growth. But, once the weather warms, within the recommended hardiness zones, Palms should begin to bounce back.
Soil Conditions
A Palm tree’s ability to adapt to different soil types contributes to its low-maintenance status. However, there are a few soil characteristics that will support rapid growth. It must be relatively loose (preferably sandy), moist and well-draining.
Palms do thrive in dry, desert conditions. But, their growth is significantly slowed in these environments.
Watering Schedule
Sufficient moisture and nutrients are the two aspects of Palm tree care that most heavily influence their growth rate. Too much or not enough will have a severe impact.
Palms prefer relatively moist soil, especially when temperatures soar. In winter, less is best when these trees go into partial dormancy.
Fertilizing
Palm trees seem to respond best to slow-release fertilizer granules sprinkled within the drip line, around the trunk’s base. These can be formulated specifically for Palm trees or just an acidic NPK that’s low in phosphorus.
Applying this type of fertilizer in early spring (and repeating as recommended) will fuel steady, robust growth, vibrant color, and blooming.
FAQs Palm Tree Growth Rate
How Fast Do Palm Trees Grow Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add some tropical drama to your landscape fast, these palm trees are outstanding options.
Each has its own relatively rapid growth rate that is best supported by planting in the right hardiness zone and providing adequate water, sunlight and nutrients.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even grow these from seed. Just remember that some cultivars can take 2-12 months to germinate.
Large varieties like the Queen and California palms will beautifully complement large landscapes. While the smaller Majesty and Windmill cultivars can enhance just about any garden size.
Reference:
The University of Nevada Cultivated Palm Seed Germination
Ben's horticultural interest grew when graduating from Hertfordshire University in 1997. Having contributed to numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Garden Design Magazine, and The English Garden. He is also the author of Propagating Houseplants Made Easy.
