Hemp palms are generally hardy, but it can still happen that the palm freezes after a hard winter. This is often shown by brown leaves in spring. What sub-zero temperatures can hemp palms tolerate and what winter protection do they need?
What to do if the hemp palm is frozen?
A frostbitten hemp palm shows brown leaves and, in the worst case, a brown palm heart. If only the leaves are affected, cut them off and the palm will sprout again. If the palm heart is frozen, the plant must be discarded. Protect hemp palms from frost and moisture with mulch, insulating materials and a protected location.
What sub-zero temperatures can hemp palms tolerate?
Hemp palms are hardy down to temperatures of minus 17 degrees. However, this only applies to a hemp palm that is older and was planted outdoors in good time in the spring.
The leaves of the hemp palm cannot tolerate these sub-zero temperatures. You have already frozen to death if it has been colder than minus six to ten degrees in winter. But that's not a big deal, as the hemp palm sprouts again in spring. As long as the palm heart does not freeze, the plant is not at risk.
Young hemp palms are not hardy. They must be overwintered indoors or in a bucket for the first few years.
Brown leaves after winter
If the hemp palm shows brown leaves after winter, that's not a big problem. This is then only minor frost damage. Simply cut off the brown leaves.
Palm Heart Frozen
It's worse if the palm heart is also frozen. This is evident from the fact that the middle of the hemp palm is also brown. Sometimes you can also notice that the trunk is soft.
If the heart of a hemp palm freezes, there is no saving the plant. You can then just dispose of them.
Protect hemp palms from frost and moisture
To protect your hemp palm from freezing, you should prepare it for winter in good time. Spread a blanket of mulch under the palm tree. Leaves and straw are well suited for this.
Cover the hemp palm with protective materials. To do this, use burlap (€12.00 on Amazon), fir branches, garden fleece, coconut mats or brushwood.
Overwinter a hemp palm in a bucket in a protected place on the terrace or balcony. A covered spot is ideal so that the palm tree doesn't get too wet.
Tip
The hemp palm is even more affected by too much moisture in winter than the cold. Make sure the palm heart is covered.
