If you’ve got Windmill Palms growing in your garden, you’ve probably noticed they’re pretty prolific bloomers. Those flowers are definitely a conversation starter, but here’s a pro-tip: if you want your palm to focus on growing lush, green fronds instead of flowers, you might want to reach for the shears.
When Do Windmill Palms Bloom?
Don’t expect flowers right away. A Windmill Palm usually needs to be at least four years old before it starts showing off. When it does, it produces yellowish-green panicle blooms. These look a bit different depending on whether you have a male or female plant. If you have both sexes nearby, nature takes its course and pollination happens. By fall, you’ll see kidney-shaped, dark blue berries that actually taste sweet. Plus, a successful pollination means you’ll have seeds ready to harvest by winter.
Why You Should Consider Removing the Flowers
Here’s the deal: producing fruits and seeds takes a ton of energy. When a palm is busy making seeds, it usually hits the “pause” button on growing new leaves. If your goal is a tall, leafy palm, it’s best to snip those decorative flowers off early.
The only real reason to leave them alone is if you’re planning on growing new palms from seed. Just remember that Windmill Palms are dioecious, meaning there are distinct male and female plants. If you want to be sure you get seeds, you might want to play matchmaker and do some hand-pollination with a small paintbrush.
What if Your Palm Isn’t Blooming?
Seeing flowers is usually a great sign that your fan palm is happy and healthy. If yours is staying shy, it’s likely due to one of these reasons:
- The plant is still a “toddler” (under four years old).
- It’s not getting enough sunlight.
- It’s hungry for nutrients.
To get those blooms, your palm needs plenty of food. Without the right nutrients, the plant gets stressed and won’t bother flowering. You also want to make sure the location is sunny and protected from harsh winds. Most importantly, stay patient! It can sometimes take anywhere from four to eight years for a Windmill Palm to feel mature enough to start blooming.
