Also known as Palmetto · 173 saves
Sabal
Sabal, the genus most gardeners know as palmetto. We track 19 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 19 most-saved Sabal varieties
4 species of Sabal
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Sabal in Sow
Save the Sabal you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Sabal
Whats common across all Sabal varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 19 most-grown of them.
The Sabal year
- PruneFebruary, March, April and October100% of varieties
Remove only completely dead or brown fronds close to the base
- FertilizeApril and June95% of varieties
Apply a slow-release palm fertilizer in early spring if desired
- Winter PrepOctober and November63% of varieties
In exposed sites, protect the crown with straw or burlap during severe cold
- PlantMarch–May42% of varieties
Plant when soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently in spring
- MulchMarch and November32% of varieties
Maintain a thick layer of mulch for moisture and root protection
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged fronds
- Prune dead or damaged fronds in late winter
- Prune dead fronds to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Refrain from heavy pruning during winter
What goes wrong with Sabal
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Weevil | Wilting or fronds with holes | Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and sooty mold on fronds | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Scale Insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Palm weevil | Wilting or holes in fronds | Use organic insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of fronds | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fusarium Wilt | Yellowing and browning of fronds | Improve drainage and apply fungicide |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown spots on fronds | Apply copper-based fungicide |
Making more Sabal
Seed
- Tuck seeds in moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain warm temperatures (~70°F) for germination.
- Allow 8-12 weeks for sprouting.
Division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring.
- Use sharp tools to separate offsets.
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil.
Sabal questions
How many types of Sabal are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 19 distinct Sabal varieties. The most popular — ranked by 173 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sabal grow in?
Across its varieties, Sabal covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sabal bloom?
Most Sabal varieties bloom in summer, early summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sabal should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.