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Fast Growing Palm Trees - Your Guide

Fast growing palm trees can more quickly help you get that backyard tropical look you've wanted.

Have you wondered how fast do palms grow? For most, overall growth rate isn't that fast. That's why we've listed for you those with quick growth.

But the best ones for you will depend on some local conditions. See which palm trees grow the fastest for you.

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ANALYZE YOUR RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE>

YOUR IMPORTANT SOIL ASSESSMENT

CHOICE OF PALMS GROWING FAST BY SIZE

READY TO PLANT & GIVE CARE

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Palm lovers can calm their palm-related search tasks & worries. Our articles are intended to inform, while having fun, easily Finding What You Want or Need. Without unneeded shoptalk & tiring endless research. We Research For You!

Prequel to Choosing Fast-Growing Palm Trees

It's best to check several local conditions before growing any palms. Seeing which species is right for you.

Various factors affect the lowest temperatures Different Palm Species can tolerate. You'll want to have the USDA Hardiness info for Your Own Growing Zone in mind.

Test Your Own Soil pH for Good Palm Growth

One check is your property's soil conditions.

The pH level is very important. Palms can't use most Needed Soil Nutrients if the pH is too high (alkaline). Ideally soil pH should be from 6.0 to 7.0. That's slightly acidic.

pH scale with examples

Testing the soil exactly where you'll be planting your fast-growing palm tree is best. A different area nearby can have an entirely different pH level.

We recommend Your Local Extension Service for U.S. soil testing. Their report will be most accurate & reliable. They typically charge a fee.

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We personally haven't tried other DIY Soil Test Methods, but they may be worth a try.

Here's a simple example of a DIY method to using easily obtained ingredients. In fact, you may already have them on hand!

How Soil Conditions & Types Guide Palms Growth

Man scooping up loamy soil into his hands

Soil conditions also play a role for successful growth.

Nearly all palms prefer well-drained soil. With that, most palms are pretty adaptable to many soil mixtures.

  • Sandy soil drains water quickly. You may need to add some organic matter.
  • Loamy soils drain water moderately. Excellent for many palms.
  • Clay soils drain water slowly. Planting a fast growing palm could cause Problems. Best to add Rich Soil Organics that promote good drainage.
Diagram of a Soil Pie ChartOverall Make-up of Soils

Anticipate Total Growth For Your Palm

Be sure to know your palm's maximum height. It can get way up there! With a crown that spreads thickly outward.

Your Advance Landscape Planning helps deciding on a suitable palm. Do you have enough outdoor space? Will the mature height block windows?

This Helps With Planning>

Choose Your Fast Growing Palm Tree Species

Even though we're calling these fast growing palm trees, ideal conditions are generally needed for rapid growth. These palms grow quickly.

Small Fast Growing Palms for Landscaping

The maximum height for small, fast growing palm trees is about 20ft/6m or less. Many don't have wide crowns of Palm Fronds.

The popular Pygmy Date Palm Tree

Phoenix roebelinii, aka Miniature Date Palm, gets about 15ft/4.5m high. Quickest growth in rainier climates of zones 9b-11.

  • Nice looker, needs lavish watering.
  • Ensure rich soil with good drainage.
Miniature Date Palm Growing in a botanical gardenAt the Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, Sarchi Norte, Costa Rica

Hardy Mediterranean Fan Palms for Speedy Growth

Chamaerops humilis, called European Fan Palm. They're fast growing & cold hardy palms. For Zones 8b-11. Arid 8a okay, too. Doesn't like humidity.

  • Maximum height of 20ft/6m, & spreads out.
  • Drought tolerant, but faster growth with more water. With well-drained soil.
Chamaerops humilis, commonly called Mediterranean Palm(Credit: CER amalho)
Mediterranean Fan - Water More for Fast Growing Palm Trees

Moderately Sized Fast Growing Palm Trees 

Normal heights reach over 20ft/6m up to 59ft/17m. Total height depends on the palm species & the care you provide.

How do Alexandra Palm Trees Grow Fast?

Or the Alexandra King Palm. Archotophoenix alexandrae grows between 30-50ft/9-15m. Best in 10b-11. 10a with wet winters okay.

  • Give it ideal conditions for fast growth. Loves plentiful watering.
  • Recommend expert transplanting. Or Grow Them From Seed.
  • Excellent fast growing palm tree for Australia.
Young Archontophoenix alexandrae palmArchontophoenix alexandrae in its Youth - Very Nice!

How a Bangalow Palm Tree Grows Fastest

AKA King Palm, scientifically Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. Maximum height is 50ft/15m. Fast growing palm trees seen in coastal type Mediterranean climates.

The Bangalow Palm along a residential streetBangalow's transplantation success is kinda difficult. Keep that in mind.

Quick Growing for a Palm Tree: Areca catechu

Commonly called Betal Nut Palm, it gets from 50ft/15m to 75ft/22.5m. Only desirable for USDA Growing Zone 11. Borderline in 10a.

Betal nut palm trees, focusing on the crownsBetal Nut Palm Trees Have a Distinctive Crown of Fronds
People Traditionally Use its Edible Fruit as a Stimulant. Caution For Young Children.

How a Carpentaria Palm Tree Quickly Gets Height

Carpentaria acuminata, the Carpy, maxes out at 50ft/15m. Growing Zone 10b-11, but 10a can be carefully tried. 

  • The crownshaft means low-maintenance!
  • Loves lots of water, not minding soggy feet. 
Carpentaria acuminata palms lining a street in Cairns Queensland AustraliaCarpentaria acuminata in Cairns, Qeensland Australia. Perfect Climate for Them!

Ribbon Fan Palm Tree With Tall Quick Growth

The Livistona decora has been called: Livistona decipiens. Fine in Climate Zones 9-11. Cautiously, 8b works if low temps stay above 20F/-6.7C. Good as fast growing palms in Florida, Texas, Arizona & California.

  • Gets from 50-70ft/15-21m.
  • Fast growing palm with regular watering.
  1. To tamp down its height, decrease watering when nearing your desired height. It tolerates less moisture.
Livistona decipiens Auckland Botanic GardensLivistona decipiens at Auckland Botanic Gardens, New Zealand

Queen Palm Tree - Quickly Grows Your Landscape Royalty

Syagrus romanzoffiana is a nice addition. Preferred in Zones 9b-11.

  • Height ranges from 45ft/13.5m minimum to over 60ft/18m.
  • Prefers consistent watering in humus filled soil, with a Fertilizing Plan.
Syagrus romanzoffiana in a Preserve in UraguayQueen Palm in Quebrada de Los Cuervos
A Nature Preserve in Uraguay - As It Should Look. 😊
Syagrus romanzoffian Palms along a roadway in Lauquen ArgentinaAaargh!! Queen Palms All Along a Roadway
Sadly They've All Been Way Over-Pruned!

Tall Fast Growing Palm Tree for Your Garden

Be sure to have room when Growing Palm Trees this tall! Allow for mature height, that's over 60ft/18m high. They'll also have spreading, massive crowns.

Joannis Palm Tree Likes Sun for Fastest Growth

Veitchia joannis is definitely one of the tallest palms. Can get to 120ft/30m! In 10b-11 Zones. Actually, several Veitchia species ae fast growing palm trees.

  • Reminiscent of Coconut Palms. Has high water & full sun needs.
  • Juvenile years for slow growth. Then gets really quick.
Joannis Palm at the Honolulu airport.Passed This Joannis Palm Many Times in Honolulu's Airport Garden.

Montgomery or Sunshine Palm

Veitchia arecina starts the sapling with medium growth. Fast growth until old age, when it again slows. Just like people!

Crown of the Veitchia arecina palmVeitchia arecina's Crown is Attractive!

Look Up At The Fast Growing Mexican Fan Palm Tree

Washingtonia robusta is fetching with fan-shaped fronds.

  • That highly lanky Palm Around Los Angeles. Zones 9b-11, but can try 9a.
  • After seedling stage for fast growth. Getting to 100ft/30m tall.
a Young Mexican fan palmYoung Mexican Fan Palm. But Plan for a Tall Mature Height!

Other Types of Fastest Growing Palm Trees

Evaluate these to see how does a palm tree grow fast for your own climate & residential landscape needs.

  • Windmill Palm Trees - Trachycarpus fortunei are cold hardy palms. Zones 7b-11, sometimes 7a. Ranges 25-50ft/7.5-15m upward.
  • Mule Palms - The xButyagrus nabonnandii is a Queen & Pindo hybrid.
  • Pindo Palm - Butia capitata, called Jelly Palm, with sweet, edible fruit. Maximum height of 35ft/10.5m. Best in 9-11 zones. 8 works in Mediterranean climes.
Butia capitata, the Pindo Palm growing in the landscape in front of a homeNice Crown! This Pindo Looks Sassy in This Rear Yard

Planting & Caring for Fast Growing Palm Trees

Even with a fast-growing tree, different types of palm species have exact requirements. Fast growing palm trees need the right plant in the right place. For sunlight needs, soil preferences, etc.

  • Tropical climate? Plant your palm in any season.
  • Subtropical or temperate zone? Plant in spring, summer or autumn. Definitely not in winter.
  • See more tips at Planting a Palm. We recommend these experts in Palm Tree Growing.

Takeaways for Fast Growing Palm Trees

You've seen how fast growing palm trees can work for you. Have you figured out your best choice for fitting into your landscape?

You've gotten a good overview of the right way to plant your palm. And thereafter the best care for good palm health. You'll love watching it grow quickly!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What palm tree grows fastest?

It's probably the popular Foxtail Palm. Scientifically, Wodyetia bifurcata, is ideal for Zones 10b-11. But Pigafetta elata, not easily purchased, could be faster. And King Palms (Archontophoenix alexandrae) also zoom upward.

Foxtail's regular watering begins its adolescent growth spurt! For fast species, extra water is often how to make a palm tree grow faster!

Does trimming palm trees make them grow faster?

Because palms are Unique Plants, trimming them doesn't make for faster growth.

In fact, over-trimming can slow them down! Unnecessary Trimming is Not Recommended.

How long does it take a palm tree to grow 10 feet (3m)?

The fastest growing palms can grow about 3ft/1m per year. There's no growth rate that fits all. It depends on species & environmental conditions.

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