Fast Growing Palm Trees - Your Guide

Looking for fast growing palm trees?

Palms with fast growth can more quickly help you get that front or Backyard Tropical Look you've wanted. So we planned this guide to show you 12 of the fastest-growing palm species.

They're organized by maximum speed for the species, from fast to not as fast.

Feeling overwhelmed by so many palm trees?

You're not alone. We Understand your headaches! At Mission: Palm Trees you'll find clear answers to questions & Step-By-Step Guidance, from real people. With solutions to help. No puzzling shoptalk. No tiring research. So it's easy & fun for you.

Quick Check to Plan for Fast Growing Palm Trees

Different Palm Species have their typical lowest temperature toleration.

So first you'll want to have the USDA Hardiness info for your local Microclimate. You'll want to know Your Own Growing Zone before choosing a palm.

Your Soil pH Level

Soil pH level is very important. Palms can't use most Needed Soil Nutrients if the pH is too high (alkaline). Ideally soil pH should be from 6.0 to 7.0.

We recommend Your Local Extension Service for U.S. soil testing.

Yet most palms aren't too fussy about soil, except for most it should drain water well!

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We purchased two DIY systems ourselves.

  • This One, the Antonki was the better one. Believe it's fairly accurate, measures several things, and tilts for easiest viewing.
  • This Other One, Moisture Meter only measures that. We used one & it did nothing! Didn't bother with the 2nd yet. They do have good return & help - but we haven't bothered.

We personally haven't tried any other DIY Soil Test Methods, but they may be worth a try.

Yet a simple DIY pH method is easily done with on hand ingredients!

Now you've assessed your growing conditions, right?

So let's explore which fast-growing palms will thrive in your space. For each, check if their zone for lowest temps matches yours.

Choose Your Fast Growing Palm Tree Species

Even though we're calling these fast growing palm trees, give your chosen palm ideal conditions for the best rapid growth. Growth rates are fully dependent on their environment and care.

Temperature, watering, individual fertility, cramped roots, and its original seed all influence growing speed. Plus local stressors like cold and drought.

If your intention is to plant a fast growing palm tree, it's also important To Plan Ahead For Best Results. Keep in mind these facts:

  • Our list of fast growing palm trees are rates compared to most palms (which typically grow slowly).
  • When purchasing any fast growing palm trees, remember it takes 1–2 years after transplanting to establish, for growing upward. Because root growth comes first.
  • Palms in humid tropical coastal climates typically grow faster than the same species in debatable subtropical sites.
  • If you Plant From Seed, your purchasing source can affect early growth power.

We've arranged these from fastest to not quite as fast for growth, on average.

Fast Growing Palm Tree: Mexican Fan

Washingtonia robusta is fetching with fan-shaped fronds.

  • That lanky Palm Around Los Angeles is best for Zones 9b-11, but 9a okay. 
  • Averaging 3ft/1m growth each year. So tall, reaching 100ft/30m! Be sure you Have The Room.
  • Give it full sun, warm climate, and extra watering for speedy 4ft/1.2m yearly growth.
Series of Mexican Fan Palms scattered around a strip mallIn Tucson, we're in zone 9a & 9b, and these W.robustas are still growing!

Queen Palm Tree - Quickly Grows Your Landscape Royalty

Syagrus romanzoffiana is a nice addition. Described as "quick growing" by University of Florida IFAS extension materials.

  • Preferred in Zones 9b-11. Has even survived 8b-9a. Doing pretty well all over Tucson AZ!
  • Height ranges from 45ft/13.5m minimum to over 90ft/27m.
  • Prefers sun, consistent watering in humus filled soil, with a Fertilizing Plan. All to give it very fast growth of approximately 1-3ft/0.3-1m per year.
Queen palm growing in front of a restaurantQueen Palm (Click Here to get one) in this Tucson restaurant courtyard. Could look better with proper care, but still not as bad as the following ones.
Syagrus romanzoffian Palms along a roadway in Lauquen ArgentinaAaargh!! Queen Palms All Along a Roadway
Sadly They've All Been Way Over-Pruned!
CLICK to understand proper pruning>

Alexandra King Palm

Archotophoenix alexandrae grows quickly. Getting between 30-50ft/9-15m. Named "one of the fastest cultivated palms" by American University of Beirut faculty.

  • Best in 10b-11. 10a with wet winters okay.
  • Give it ideal conditions to speed growth, which is about 1-3ft/0.3-1m per year.
  • Loves plentiful watering. Definitely not a Desert Palm Tree. Elsewhere likes full sun.
  • Recommend professional transplanting. Or Grow Them From Seed.
  • Gorgeous with that Crown Shaft!
Young Archontophoenix alexandrae palmArchontophoenix alexandrae in its youth - works so well in Australia, etc!

Foxtail Palm

The popular Foxtail Palm, scientifically, Wodyetia bifurcata. Ideal for Zones 10b-11. Can try 10a with Good Palm Care.

  • Foxtail's regular watering begins its adolescent growth spurt!
  • For this fast species, up your Watering Plan with extra quantities. 
  • Plus it grows quickly with humidty. Approximately 1-3ft/0.3-1m yearly.
Group of foxtail palms growing in a grassy gardenDelightful grove of Foxtail Palms in a grassy area.

Ribbon Fan Palm Tree With Tall Quick Growth

Scientifically Livistona decora. Renamed from Livistona decipiens in 2004. It has weeping-like Palm Fronds, for a gorgeous silhouette.

  • Fine in Climate Zones 9-11. Cautiously, 8b works if your low temps stay above 15F/-9.4C.
  • Gets from 50-70ft/15-21m tall. With ideal conditions growth each year can add 1.5–3ft/0.45–0.9m.
  • Speed growth with regular watering. It tolerates less moisture, but will be shorter and grow more slowly.
Livistona decipiens or L.decora at Auckland Botanic GardensLivistona decora at Auckland Botanic Gardens, New Zealand

Sunshine Palm

Veitchia arecina, AKA Montgomery Palm. Faster growth in post-baby palm years. Slow again with old age. Just like people!

  • If you're in Zones 10b-11, it's good to go.
  • Medium to high water requirement, in quickly-draining soil.
  • Full sun.
  • Approximate yearly growth: 1–2.5ft/0.3–0.75m yearly.
Crown of the Veitchia arecina palm, nicknamed the sunshine palm.Drawback: slightly prone to lethal yellowing.

Carpentaria Palm Tree for Quick Growth

Carpentaria acuminata is sometimes called Carpy. Nice medium-sized, getting to 50ft/15m.

  • Does best in Zones 10b-11, but ok in warmest 10a. May tolerate temps shortly down to 30F/-1.1C
  • With its excessively high water needs & placement in sunny spots, it grows faster yet.
  • But the quick growth begins when established, after 1-3 years. Then about 1-2ft/0.3-0.6m per year.

Native to northern Australia's tropical areas. It's well-loved for landscape plantings in suitable climates.

Carpentaria acuminata palms lining a street in Cairns Queensland AustraliaCarpentaria acuminata in Cairns, Qeensland Australia. Perfect climate for them!

Joannis Palm for Fastest Growth

Veitchia joannis is suited for 10b-11 Zones. Won't typically tolerate temps lower than 35F/1.7C. It's Native to Fiji.

Actually, many species of Veitchia genera are fast growing palm trees.

  • Looks are reminiscent of Coconut Palms. It's Very Tall Palm, even 120ft/30m possible!
  • Has high water & full sun needs.
  • Fastest growth with Moist, Rich Soil that drains quickly.
  • Gets really quick-growth after the juvenile stage. A conservative speed estimate of 1-2ft/0.3-0.6m per year. There's not much authentic data about rate.
Joannis Palm at the Honolulu airport.We've passed this Joannis Palm many times in Honolulu's airport garden.

Quick Growing for a Palm Tree: Areca catechu

Commonly called Betal Nut Palm, can get to 75ft/22.5m high.

  • Solely desirable for USDA Growing Zone 11, where it only tolerates low temps to 40F/4.4C. Borderline in 10a.
  • Fast grower, but even quicker when all its needs are satisfied. Then about 1-2ft/0.3-0.6m each year.
  • With a crownshaft, it's handy by Regularly Rids Itself of Dead Leaves.
  • Likes added humus and mulch. With lots of water.

Grown in plantations for its edible fruit (betel nut). Which is a stimulent, so be cautious with kids around.

Illustration of all the parts in a Betal Nut palmAll the A.catechu parts. Traditionally used for its edible fruit as a "pick-me-up."

Coconut Palm

Cocos nucifera grows about 1–1.8ft/0.3–0.5m per year.

But it is variable because there are Several Cultivars.

  • Cultivars are palms botanists grow to make better use of special traits they've noted.
  • Like "tall" vs. "dwarf." Or for strong growth, like better disease prevention. 
  • Cultivars stay the same each time they're planted.

Of course, Whichever Cultivar You May Want, they need good conditions in their suitable climate zones of 10b-12. They cannot tolerate cold, must stay above 40oF/4.4oC. 

Tall cultivars are fastest. Like the Jamaican Tall, Panama Tall & West African Tall. Growing about 3-6ft/0.9-1.8m a year. The hybrid Maypan grows slightly slower, but is still rapid compared to dwarf coconut palms.

BUT NOTE THIS ONE!

Then there's this Coconut Palm Twin! The High Plateau Coconut Palm (Beccariophoenix alfredii) is newly discovered. So growth speed hasn't been evaluated. Yet it's much more cold tolerant than cocos genera palms.

upward into the fronds and fruit of a coconut palmThe true Coconut Palm Tree grows tall, and regularly produces fruit. SEE MORE>

Cold Hardy Fast Growing Palm Trees

Evaluate these to see how these Might Be Faster Growing Palm trees. See if one may work for your own cooler climate & landscape needs.

  • Mule Palms - The xButyagrus nabonnandii is a Queen & Pindo hybrid.
  1. Can grow quickly if the Queen Palm is the stronger parental influence.
  2. Climate zone: 9-11 if you get regular rainfall. Add 8 for Mediterranean climes.
  3. Add Humus to Soil, in full or part sun. Provide its high water needs.
  4. We've heard of survival through temps as low as 10F/-12.2C.
Mule palm growing in a botanical garden
  1. Add Organics to soil to speed growth. Some say it may grow 6–12in/15–30cm per year. If all its needs are well satisfied. We have one source that says that. Others say it's growth is slow to medium, we have two sources stating that.
  2. To speed growth, water consistently (don't let it dry out completely). Any soil OK. Good Fertilizer schedule (Including springtime feed of Epsom Salts). Better with some shade as it encourages it to reach out for sun.
Chusan palms in a groveGrove of T.fortunei - Also nicknamed Chusan Palm.

References for Palms Listed

Broschat, T. K., Klein, R. W., & Hilbert, D. R. (2013). Washingtonia robusta: Mexican Fan Palm at UF/IFAS Extension.

Broschat, T.K. UF/IFAS Extension. edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST574

Alexandra Palm, Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute at Cal Poly. selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/178

Palmpedia - palmpedia.net/wiki/Washingtonia_robusta; Archontophoenix alexandrae palmpedia.net/wiki/Archontophoenix_alexandrae; palmpedia.net/wiki/Syagrus_romanzoffiana

Chan, E. & Elevitch, C.R. (2006, April). Cocos nucifera (Coconut). Pacific Island Agroforestry, raskisimani.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cocos-nucifera-coconut.pdf

UC Master Gardeners, Napa County, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-napa-county/9-mexican-fan-palm

American University of Beirut. landscapeplants.aub.edu.lb/Plants/GetPDF/e43e08a5-3a3e-4d4e-b34e-634a9979a7c0

Watson, D.P. (1996, Dec). Coconut Palms from Seed. University of Hawaii, Manoa. Cooperative Extension Service. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/OF-25.pdf

US Forest Service - Dept. of Agriculture. hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/SYAROMA.pdf

Tomlinson, P.B. (2006). The uniqueness of palms. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 151, 5–14.

University of Guam extension service.

Basics of Planting & Caring for Fast Growing Palm Trees

Even with a fast-growing tree, different types of palm species have exact requirements.

Fast growing palm trees still need the right palm in the right place. Remember their sunlight needs, soil preferences, water requirements, etc. Satisfy those needs for fastest growth.

When to plant your new fast growing palm tree.

  • Tropical climate? Plant your palm in any season.
  • Subtropical or temperate zone? Plant in spring, summer or autumn. Definitely not in winter.
  • See more tips at Planting a Palm. We recommend these experts in Palm Tree Growing.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What palm tree grows fastest?

The fastest growing palm of all is probably Washingtonia robusta, the Mexican Fan Palm. They grow very tall, achieving 3ft/1m every year. Our city of Tucson is in 9a and they grow very quickly here after seedling stages. See More Palm Growth Facts Here>

The Bangalow, AKA King Palm, is also one of the fastest growing palm. Scientifically named Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. Maximum height is 50ft/15m.

  • They're native to rainy coastal forests of New South Wales, Australia.
  • Most suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11.
  • Needs lots of water & organic mulch helps. 
  • Some Grow It Indoors in airy, large rooms. Others (like botanist David L. Jones) question if that's a good idea.

King Palms can zoom upward. Increasing about 1-3ft/1.3-1m each year.

Yet remember even those considered fast growing palm trees need The Proper Care and the right climate/environment for that growth rate.

Two other really fast growing palms are the Queen Palm and the Alexander King Palm.

Does trimming palm trees make them grow faster?

Because palms are Unique Plants, trimming them doesn't make for faster growth.

In fact, over-trimming can slow them down! Unnecessary Trimming is Not Recommended. Pruning off any green parts robs the palm of its nutrients factory. Essential Nutrients are needed for good, healthy growth.

How long does it take a palm tree to grow 10 feet (3m)?

The fastest growing palms, like those listed here, can grow about 3ft/1m per year. There's no growth rate that fits all. It depends on Palm Species & environmental conditions.

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Takeaways for Fast Growing Palm Trees

You've seen how fast growing palm trees can work for you. Have you figured out your best choice for fitting into your landscape?

You've gotten a good overview of the right way to plant your palm. And thereafter the best care for good palm health. You'll love watching it grow quickly!

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