If you notice your Windmill Palm starting to bloom, give yourself a pat on the back! It’s a sure sign that your plant is happy and thriving. Usually, these palms start showing off their flowers once the trunk reaches about three feet (one meter) in height. While getting a Windmill Palm to flower is actually pretty common in our climate, getting it to produce seeds is a bit more of a project.
The Difference Between Male and Female Windmill Palms
Here’s a fun botanical fact: Windmill Palms are “dioecious.” In plain English, that means there are distinct male and female plants. You can tell them apart by looking closely at the blooms. Female flowers have a bushy look and a yellowish-green tint, while the male flowers are a much more vibrant, bright yellow.
If you’re hoping to grow your own seeds, you’re going to need one of each. To make sure pollination actually happens, I recommend playing “busy bee” with a small paintbrush. Just brush it over the male flowers first, then give the female flowers a good dusting. If you’re successful, the female plant will start developing seeds around December or January.
When Do They Bloom?
The blooming season typically kicks off in April and can last through June. You’ll find that palms planted outdoors are much more likely to flower than indoor ones—they really crave that bright, natural light to get the energy moving.
Should You Cut the Flowers Off?
It depends on your goals! If you want your palm to focus all its energy on growing tall and pushing out lush new fronds, you should probably cut the flowers off. Producing seeds takes a lot of “fuel,” and removing the blooms redirects that energy back into the foliage.
By the way, did you know the fruits of the Windmill Palm are actually edible? They have a nice sweetness to them, but they’re definitely best enjoyed fresh!
Harvesting Your Own Seeds
If your goal is to propagate new little palms, just leave the flowers alone and let nature take its course. Once the seeds have fully matured, you can easily harvest them and get started on your next planting project.
