SYLVESTER PALM

At one time, the Sylvester Palm was an excellent replacement for the much more expensive Canary Island Date Palm. Due to a disease infecting the Phoenix Canariensis, we no longer sell them with a guarantee. However, we do offer our usual one-year guarantee for these Sylvesters. We’ve sourced from a farm that inoculated early in growth, showing no disease in the field or transplants. These are magnificent specimens, with thick trunks and large dark green heads. While not as grand as the Canary Island Date Palm, the Sylvester shares a similar look. It’s easy to handle and grows relatively fast. We recommend having us apply a ‘diamond cut’ or a ‘spiral cut’ to your tree.

The Sylvester Date Palm, affectionately known by various names such as the Sugar Date Palm, India Date Palm, Silver Date Palm, and Wild Date Palm, is a remarkable native of India. It shares many endearing traits with the True Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), boasting a solitary and sturdy trunk adorned with an intriguing diamond pattern from leaf scars. This palm does require some care; trimming old dead leaves that form a “skirt” is essential for its upkeep. The trunk has a charmingly swollen base, measuring around 13-18 inches in diameter.

Without a crown shaft to interrupt its elegance, 90-100 large pinnate leaves unfurl gracefully at the top of the trunk. These feather-shaped leaves stretch about 10-15 feet long and display stunning silver or blue-green hues with gentle curves. Each leaf ends in 100-120 sharply pointed leaflets that measure between 1-1.5 feet long by 1-2 inches wide and are arranged in delightful groups of two or three that often crisscross each other. The petioles extend about three feet long and are equipped with protective spines.

This palm grows at a moderate pace but can quickly reach impressive heights of 50-60 feet while spreading out to widths of 10-15 feet. Its resilience is noteworthy; it withstands cold temperatures down to an admirable 15°F and flourishes best within USDA Zones ranging from 8b (15 to 20°F) up to Zone 11 (above 40°F). Thriving under full sun or partial shade conditions, it requires moderate watering but can endure short drought periods when necessary—preferring moist yet well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Maintaining this beautiful palm is straightforward; occasional trimming prevents unsightly “skirts” formed by old dead leaves. To ensure it remains healthy and vibrant without nutritional deficiencies creeping in over time—a good quality palm fertilizer featuring continuous release should be applied twice yearly during its growing season—an earnest commitment for such an extraordinary plant companion!