Question
Mr. Mccann:  We have just planted a Roebelinii pygmy palm.
I believe it is about a 5 gallon size, in good shape and was planted in pretty good soil by a liscenced gardner. He advised me to keep it well watered and to fertilize it with a good brand palm fertilizer about once every three months.  I have since read and been told NOT to fertilize
a newly planted palm for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks..Jack
ps we live in San Diego, Ca.

Answer
Hi Jack, Your Landscaper is correct in telling you to keep it irrigated, and I would fertilize it in about 8 weeks, the timing isn't crucial on this Jack, for the Palm needs to set its feet before it will be taking up any nutrients; right now the only thing that is crucial it that it is kept "properly" irrigated, meaning no wet feet, just make sure it doesn't dry out. One other thing, not to criticize your Gardner, but make sure that he planted it at the same exact level that it was in the container, no deeper, this is paramount. It is better to be a little high then too deep, if you feel it is too deep, just clear away covering soil to bring it to flush. Nick