Dwarf date palms are only partially hardy. They can tolerate light frost temperatures, which are often exceeded in this country. It is better to overwinter the dwarf date palm in a pot indoors or in a sheltered spot outdoors.
Is the dwarf date palm hardy?
Is a dwarf date palm hardy? The dwarf date palm is partially hardy and can tolerate light frost temperatures down to -6°C. For wintering, a protected and frost-free location in the house, in a garage or in a garden shed with sufficient brightness is recommended.
The dwarf date palm can tolerate slightly sub-zero temperatures
Like all date palms, the dwarf date palm can cope with light frost temperatures. However, these must not fall below six degrees, as the palm tree will then freeze.
Winter the dwarf date palm properly in the house
In the house, the dwarf date palm needs a frost-free room to overwinter. Suitable examples are:
- cool greenhouses
- Corridors with windows
- Basement rooms with windows
- Garages
- Garden houses
The rooms may not be heated, but temperatures should not fall below freezing point.
In dark overwintering places, you should install plant lamps (€79.00 on Amazon) so that the palm tree is bright enough.
Winter dwarf date palms outside
You can try to overwinter the dwarf date palm outside in a protected location. If you don't have a greenhouse, this is sometimes the best solution as the palm trees can get quite wide and require a lot of space.
Place the pot on an insulating surface and wrap the pot with burlap.
The location must be as bright as possible. The palm tree should be protected from drafts and excessive winter moisture.
Don't water too much in winter
During the winter, the dwarf date palm needs significantly less water. Water so that the root ball never dries out completely. There is no fertilization during the winter.
If the palm tree is in a warmer place, you should spray it with water from time to time to increase the humidity. This measure prevents pest infestation.
Acclimatize carefully to light after overwintering
After winter, you need to slowly get your dwarf date palm used to light and air again. Otherwise, the UV light can cause brown spots to appear on the leaves.
Place the pot in a partially shaded or shady place for one to two weeks before exposing the dwarf date palm to direct sun again.
Tip
Dwarf date palms like to spend the warm season on the balcony or terrace. They prefer a semi-shady or shady location where they are protected from too much moisture.
