Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
360 inches
Width
144 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Moderate once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
Over 100 years
Native To
Southeastern US, Bahamas, Cuba
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Sabal palmetto, commonly known as the Cabbage Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm with fan-shaped fronds and a robust trunk, producing small, yellowish flowers followed by dark purple berries. This species is notable for its exceptional cold tolerance and adaptability to coastal and inland environments, making it a popular choice for landscaping in diverse climates.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Plant in spring after the last frost for best results.
- Water regularly during the first year to establish roots.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize annually with a balanced palm fertilizer.
- Prune dead or damaged fronds in late winter.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead fronds to maintain appearance
- Apply fertilizer annually in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Ignore pests like scale insects
- Prune healthy fronds unnecessarily
- Plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cabbage Palm questions
What zones can Cabbage Palm grow in?
Cabbage Palm is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cabbage Palm deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cabbage Palm, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cabbage Palm bloom?
Cabbage Palm typically blooms in late spring, summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cabbage Palm need full sun?
Cabbage Palm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Cabbage Palm drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cabbage Palm handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Sabal to compare
Dwarf Palmetto
Sabal minor 'McCurtain'
Emerald Isle Giant Dwarf Palmetto
Sabal minor 'Emerald Isle Giant'
Dwarf Palmetto
Sabal minor 'louisiana'
Brazoria Palmetto
Sabal x brazoriensis
Tifton Hardy Cabbage Palm
Sabal palmetto 'Tifton Hardy'
Dwarf Palmetto
Sabal minor 'Oriental Giant'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cabbage Palm with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
