Giant California Palm Tree

The California Fan Palm Tree is a symbol of grandeur and timeless beauty. Its scientific name, known as Washingtonia filifera, honors George Washington and has a history that dates back to the ancient oases of the California desert. These palms are renowned for their towering presence and their association with landscapes of allure and elegance. California Fan Palm Trees are majestic giants, capable of reaching heights of up to 80 feet or more. They produce a distinctive fan of deep green leaves and can live for many decades, making them iconic additions to any landscape. Create a tropical oasis by planting California Palm Trees alongside other lush, green, and exotic plants for a captivating landscape.

Also Known As: Tall Palm Tree, Giant Palm Tree, Washington Palm, Arizona Fan Palm, Petticoat Palm, California Washington Palm, Cotton Palm, Indian Hemp Palm, Filifera Palm.

Plant Name:	Tree, California Fan Palm
Latin Name:	Washingtonia filifera
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	15 - 17 Years
Plant Height:	50 - 65 Feet
Spread:	15 - 20 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	8-12
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 15 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 1 month, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1 inch deep and spaced 15 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	15 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	15-20 feet

Care During the Season:

California Fan Palms can thrive as a majestic, low-maintenance palm with care. This tree prefers well-draining, sandy soil that mimics its natural desert environment. While they benefit from regular watering during the growing season, palms are drought-tolerant once established and prefer the soil to dry out between waterings. In summer, as the tree grows, continue watering deeply, especially during periods of heat, but ensure the soil remains well-drained to avoid root rot. You may optionally apply slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth, particularly if the palm is young or showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Pruning is typically minimal but may be needed to remove any dead or yellowing fronds to keep the tree looking tidy. However, be cautious not to cut too many healthy fronds, as they provide the palm with essential energy. In autumn, reduce watering as the palm begins to slow its growth, but continue to ensure it has enough moisture during dry spells. Palm trees can benefit from the removal of any spent flowers or fruit clusters.

Harvesting:

Harvest California Palm Tree seeds in late summer to early fall, when the flower clusters have matured into reddish-brown or black fruits. To harvest, carefully cut the seed clusters from the tree once they’ve ripened. If you are harvesting seeds for planting, allow the clusters to dry out in a shaded, dry area for a few days before separating the seeds from the fruit.