I'm not sure how people feel about linking other forums... But I have found an awesome thread RE making your own, or even improving your own soil... I do 2 parts peat (10$/3cu f), 2 parts composted black cow (~1$/40lbs), 1 part coarse vermiculite (10$/3cu), and 1 part of dirt from my yard. 2) if you are looking for seedlings, Cross Country Nursery has about 400 varieties and a fantastic reputation. When being shipped a plant, expect it to arrive in less than optimal condition, and plan to get it planted the day they arrive as well... Never the less, it will expand the possibilities over your local big box. I am not a fan of Monsanto (and GMO for that matter), and so many of the brands at your local Home Depot, or whatever are subsidiaries or clients of Monsanto subsidiaries. Which means if they ever found out you saved seed from one of their plants you'll likely be sued (if you can even get them to grow). If you are looking to grow from seed, Pepper Joe's, the hippy seed co (in australia), midwestchiliheads, and pepperlover are all good sources. Pepper Joe has a fantastic return policy... If you buy seeds, and you are not happy with germ rates, or whatever, you send him an email, and he sends you a new package of seed, and usually with a few bonus varieties thrown in. 3) all depends on your threshold for pain... If you like habaneros, Might I suggest Scotch Bonnets? They have a nice smokey flavor. A bit milder would be Aji's, I've had some yellow Aji in Peru, and it was fantastic. Cumari Pollux is reputed to taste like fruit loops with a bang. If you like stuffing peppers, Pablano's are hard to beat. If you are into the varieties that will cause your face to melt off, check out 7pot Douglah (indian for cross, and is kind of a crass impolite term from what I gather),Moruga Scorpion (but don't buy from Jim Duffy of Refining Fire Chilies... He's asking ~3$ per seed...), Trinidad Scorpion Butch T strain is the current Guinesss world record holder (though it is surpassed by both Douglah, and possibly by Moruga). There are scores of amish varieties, new mexican varieties, sweets, hots, and superhots. It all depends on what you like. 4) no idea... Not familiar with your climate or zone :). Here in Fl, I have about 200 plants in the ground, with the goal of having 400 plants of over 100 varieties. 5) I have heard that composted alfalfa is fantastic for your pepper plants, some even co-grow it beneath the peppers. I have no personal experience with it though. I guess it would depend on whether you are buying a bale of alfalfa hay, and spreading it (less good, the process of breaking it down could deplete your garden of Nitrogen, plus the extra weeding that would come with this), or if its something else. For my garden, I use bone meal, blood meal, and fish emulsions. The fish smells terrible. But its weak, and if you are applying it to seedlings that is important. I'm not familiar with round up - other than its reputation for killing mostly everything its sprayed on. Here is a link that might be useful: best soil thread ever.

Another vote for www.chiliplants.com *** I also would try www.amazon.com . They have live plants and do not require a mininium purchase. Although I recommend buying the 3 or 4 pack since one pepper has a much greater chance of being tossed and broken in the package than 3 plants close together.

Ernie, You're not going to beat the prices at Home Depot and their selection is going to include palms that can survive the climate you have in Surprise. If you want to try some unusual palms, read this article from Jungle Music. They can mail order the palms you want. http://www.junglemusic.net/palmadvice/palmtrees-desertpalms.htm Phone: (619) 291 4605 Fax: (619) 574-1595 E-mail: phil.bergman@junglemusic.net Desert Palm Trees for Hot, Dry and Sunny Climates by Phil Bergman This article covers full and partial sun palm trees for hot sun, dry desert environments. In this article you will learn which palms will grow in your arid area and their cultural requirements. Introduction A common request at the nursery is for suggestions of palms that will live in hot and dry climate. Lets say for example: For people from Palm Springs, Phoenix, El Centro, Temecula, or other hot inland areas in the southwestern United States. These residents want to know which species of desert palm trees will grow for them. Selecting the right plants can be a real challenge. The purpose of this article is to guide people who experience intense inland weather and give suggestions for which palms might survive in their area. When trying new species in any given area, I can't offer guarantees. However, I can share my experiences with customers and others that live in such climates. On some species, the information is still unclear. But, for others species, we have seen success and this article will guide you on your path to successful growing of many species of palms in desert areas. The Desert Climate Desert climates offer a unique challenge. There is not only the problem of extreme heat, but also the intensity of the sun is higher and often the winter low temperatures are much lower than coastal areas. Palms that take full coastal Southern California sun often cannot be grown in full sun in the desert. Thus, much thought has to go into preparing a list of recommended species. Shady locations in desert climates are a lot more forgiving, and many species not mentioned below will survive in protected desert locations. This article, however, will deal only with palms that can take full sun or partial day sun. Also, be aware that not all desert areas are the same. All have intense sun, but some areas are really blistering, others milder. Regarding humidity, all tend to be dryer than coastal areas, but some are extremely dry. Regarding cold, there are lots of variations in the maximum winter lows. Thus, you must get to know your area and not generalize that all desert areas are the same. Cultural Requirements There are cultural factors that I must discuss before recommending a particular species of palm. Remember that inland, desert culture can be more demanding and require more planning than along the coast. This is quite simply because inland climatic conditions are more harsh. If purchased from a coastal nursery, it is often necessary to acclimate one's plants into the new, hotter and brighter desert area where you live. This is true even if the plants purchased were already growing in full sun. This is true especially with greenhouse grown plants, which definitely need a slow acclimation to desert sun. This acclimation process is described in other articles at this website, so review the procedure as one should definitely follow these instructions. Additionally, with the intense heat seen in the desert, proper planting is a must. This includes adequate watering of the dug hole for the palm and follow-up watering as needed. Desert climates can desiccate a plant in a day or two. Furthermore, picking the proper location for the plants is important. It might be that a plant can take half a day sun in your area, but not all day sun. If you hear of others in your area successfully growing a species outdoors, inquire a bit more and find out the exact amount of exposure their plant received: Did it take all day long sun? Was it protected by a taller tree overhead? Was it fully exposed to the sun? How cold do you get? This type of information can be critical to the success of your efforts. Also, remember that you have low humidity. This can be improved by frequent watering or misting systems where needed. Variety of Species Consider utilizing many different species of palms. All look different. Therefore, selecting a variety of plants will make it more fun for you and you will get a more interesting botanical collection. DonÂt just use pinnate (feather shaped) palms; add some fan palms! Mix them up. YouÂll be glad you did. Also mix up trunk textures, leaf colors, heights, and crown sizes. These things will spur your interest and help turn landscape into enthusiasm. Also, some species grow faster than others. Mixing up the species will add some faster growing alongside some slower growing plants. This will add various layers to your canopy and offer more landscape appeal. But, remember not to shade out sun-loving species by planting quicker growing species adjacent, thus shading out surrounding plants. Simple planning will give you a better final product immediately and in the future. Consider How Cold You Get What about winter and your coldest temperatures? This is an important limiting factor in determining what you can grow. (High temperatures, sun intensity and low humidity are the other factors). Sometimes it is the most important and limiting factor. As in any area, it is critical that you know how cold you get. You cannot equate Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona. The latter is much warmer during the winter. Both become hot but, growers in Phoenix, AZ can grow a lot more species because they donÂt experience the same severe winter cold. All desert areas are not the same. Always factor your cold into the selection of species to try! We have given some information on cold tolerance below, but there in an article at this Site entitle Cold Hardy Palms that may give you further advice. Also remember that, with cold hardiness, there are factors of importance such as duration of low temps, temps following the cold spell, wind and humidity. All these factors will lead to different cold tolerance reports that seem perplexing. But, numbers given can serve as a general guide and help you select the species right for your area.. Conflicting Data One of the difficulties in writing this article is the fact that a grower in one desert area says he is growing a given species successfully and another from a comparable area says he's had difficulties. This could be from a variety of differences in the two localities, even though both are considered "desert" area. There are differences between "high" and "low" desert areas. Humidity differences could also be important, with dryer areas being more difficult on plants. In addition, there is also the winter cold factor. In any case, on some species, there are conflicting reports of success. Therefore, in the comments below I have tried to given some caution where needed. Full sun?... Part Day Sun?... As you read the recommendations below, youÂll come across some species where I do not recommend full day, unobstructed, hot desert sun, etc., This is based upon reports that it can be grown in desert areas, but not in the open sun. In such instances, I may comment that you should try this in "part day sun". By this, it is meant a few hours, or possibly up to half-day sun. A good way to experiment with new species is to try them in morning sun from about dawn to 10:00 AM. See how they do. If no problems, challenge them a bit more. But, acclimate slowly over a gradient and over a few months. DonÂt push your plants too fast into full sun. Even palm trees for hot sun take time to acclimate. Also, if itÂs apparent that a species doesnÂt tolerate your full sun, give it a try in less sun. The latter might prove to be just what it wants. Desert Palm Trees, The Species Now, lets discuss the specific species or genera which we consider to be Desert Palm Trees , all listed alphabetically, with comments about each species and photos if available. My goal is to guide you into selecting species that might tolerate your desert sun. Desert shade plants are not discussed in this article. Moreover, I will be discussing only plants that you might find at a specialty palm nursery. Never or rarely-available species will not be discussed. Botanical Name Common Name Comments Approx. Tolerance Photo Acoelorrhaphe wrightii Silver Saw Palmetto, Paurotis Palm, Everglades Palm A profusely suckering, thin-trunked, medium sized fan palm that is native to the Everglades area and likes wet conditions. It will tolerate high moisture conditions and temperatures to about 20° F. It prefers full sun. In desert areas, one must insure adequate water. Heights in the tropics can reach up to thirty or more feet. One might think it looks like a Chamaerhops, but the trunks are thinner and the overall appearance is more tropical. 20° F Acrocomia species IÂve received reports of this genus growing in Arizona and find it quite amazing. These are spiny, single trunk palms of good height and caliper. IÂd say be cautious with this genus until we get more data, and only consider it if you do not experience bitter cold. mid-20's F. ? (not recommended) Archontophoenix species This genus is mentioned so people donÂt get led astray. There is no question that King palms are growing in Phoenix, Arizona. But, as best as I can ascertain, they are all growing in protected areas. I would not recommend this species for full sun. Filtered light is possible if you donÂt get much below 28° F. I think colder desert areas should not try this genus and no one should grow it in full sun in the desert. 25-27 F Allagoptera arenaria Beach Palm, Sand Palm This is a small palm from Brazil. It grows near the ocean. But, it seems to tolerate inland heat and sun in many areas. A miniature, never much taller than about 6 feet, is fairly slow growing and suckers. It is pinnate and hard to find. It will tolerate down to about 28° F. 28° F Bismarckia nobilis Bismark palm, Bismarck palm As time passes, we are finding that this magnificent blue fan palm, Bismarckia, is growing in multiple desert areas, and it is rapidly becoming a very sought after desert palm tree. It loves the full hot sun. But, itÂs cold tolerance is limited, only tolerating at best the mid-twenties F. This species is being grown in some areas of Arizona. It is medium sized with an impressive display of flat, blue leaves. Bismarckias do not dig or transplant well. Mid 20'sº F Butia capitata Jelly Palm, Pindo Palm, Wine Palm A pinnate, single-trunk palm of medium stature with gray-green leaves that recurve downwards and tolerates temperatures into the mid-teens F. Commonly known as the Pindo Palm or the Jelly palm. This species is a great Desert Palm Tree. Mid teens F Butia eriospatha Woolly Butia Palm Similar to Butia capitata, but only tolerates to about 20° F. It is distinguished by wooly material on the heart and flowers. It has a medium height and tolerates full, hot sun. 20° F Brahea aculeata Sinaloa Hesper Palm, Sinaloa Hesper Palm A single trunk, medium sized fan palm with blue-green leaves that is somewhat slow growing and tolerates temperatures to approximately 18° to 20° F. It tolerates full sun and never gets too tall. ItÂs growth rate is slow to medium. 18° to 20° F Brahea armata Mexican Blue Fan Palm, Blue Hesper palm A single trunked, silver-blue palm with fan leaves and somewhat slow growth. It has a thick trunk, medium height and impressive long, yellow blossoms. Known as the Mexican Blue Palm, this species tolerates temperatures into the mid-teens and loves full sun and lots of heat. 16º F Brahea edulis Guadalupe Palm, Assai Palm A slow growing, medium sized fan palm with a rather stout trunk and green leaves. Known as the Guadalupe Fan Palm, this species tolerates full sun and wind. At maturity it can reach 25 to 30 feet. It tolerates down to about 18° to 20° F. 12° to 15° F. will definitely damage the foliage of this species. ItÂs growth rate is slow. 18° to 20° F Brahea nitida Another Brahea species that tolerates sun and temperatures into the upper teens. It has no armor on the petioles and has large, somewhat flattened green leaves. ItÂs mature height is small to medium. It also can tolerate less than full sun inland. 17°+ F Brahea species, other Almost all Brahea species are worth a try. But, some such as B. dulcis or moorei would require less than full sun. Brahea decumbens is a miniature, suckering species of this genus and sports a very blue color. Brahea clara, elegans and brandegii all tolerate full sun and a fair amount of cold. All are different in form and appearance. Brahea decumbens Chamaerops humilis European Fan Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm A suckering fan palm with medium height, somewhat small leaves and minor petiole armor, this species is slow growing but can eventually obtain heights of over 25 feet on its tallest trunks. Green in color and known as the Mediterranean Fan Palm, this species tolerates cold down to about 10° F. 10° F Chamaerhops humilus var. cerifera Blue Mediterranean Fan palm Actually a variety of C. humilus, this plant is extremely blue in full hot sun and tolerates desert conditions perfectly. Native to Morocco, this palm is thick, blue and a bit bushy. Fairly recent to cultivation, the C. cerifera offers the grower a different color than the typical green with most species. prob. low teens F. Coccothrinax species All Coccothrinax are relatively small, single trunk fan palms that like sun. None get much over 15 to 20 feet. Some have thatched or hairy trunks. All are "cute" and somewhat petite. There are reports of some Coccothrinax living in desert areas. But, cold must be a consideration as no species tolerates less than 25° F. 25° F Coccothrinax radiata Copernicia species This is an amazing group of fan palms. Some sucker, but most are single trunk. All have fan leaves, some quite large and held stiff, in an erect position. Some have massively fat trunks. Copernicia baileyana Cuban Paddle Palm, The Yarey Palm Copernicia baileyana has been reported to survive in Arizona. Copernicia alba and prunifera are significantly cold tolerant and should grow in many areas. Copernicia glabrescens Copernicia glabrescens, a suckering species, is said to tolerate down to 20° F. But, all love the heat and sun. Therefore, they are worth a try. 20° F Dypsis decipiens Manambe palm Dypsis decipiens A fairly new introduction to the palm market, this is a gorgeous palm that is single or multiple trunked, crown shafted, pinnate and tolerates down to about 20° F. Native to Madagascar, this species is slow growing but worth the wait. Size is up to 30 feet, although this would take many years. It likes full sun and may be a good species for inland hotter areas, although conclusive data is pending. IÂd probably recommend starting this species in part day sun only. The nice thing about this species is that it might be one of the only crownshafted palms available for the inland grower. 20° F Dypsis decaryi Triangle Palm Dypsis decaryi This striking single trunk palm is pinnate with a most unusual modified crown shaft. It is triangular, hence the name Triangle Palm. It is from Madagascar and a medium sized palm that tolerates perhaps down to 26° F. It has grayish-green leaves and a round, medium sized trunk. Its crown base is its hallmark. It loves sun and heat, but some growers say it would do better in part day sun rather than full sun. 26° F Hyphanae species This unique genus of palms are known as the "branching palms". They can bifurcate (divide in two) above the ground in a tree like pattern. All are fan palms. All love heat and sun. But, they typically donÂt take temperatures below the mid-twenties. Leaf colors range from green to blue. Some get quite large. All love the heat and sun, but none like really cold nights. A cold and damp winter is this genusÂs enemy. 26° F Jubaea chilensis Chilean Wine Palm, Coquito Palm A very thick-trunked, tall pinnate palm known as the Chilean Wine Palm. It is very slow growing, can tolerate inland sun and a good deal of cold, probably to about 15° F. There are specimens in hot inland areas, but the ultimate desert tolerance of this species is still not clear. Large specimens are quite expensive. There are reports of some successes in hot desert areas, but a full recommendation for this genus is not yet possible. 15° F Jubaeopsis caffra Kaffir Palm, Pondoland Palm This is a suckering, medium sized, pinnate palm that is expensive and hard to find. It looks like a "suckering" Coconut Palm. It prefers full sun and is wind tolerant. Tolerates temperatures to about 22° F. ItÂs use in the desert areas is limited, so no conclusive information is available as of yet. 22° F Livistona australis Australian Fan palm, Australian Cabbage Palm, Australian Cabbage Tree Palm This species is a medium height, thin-trunk, fan palm with good sun tolerance and cold tolerance to about 20° F. It is fast growing for a fan palm and very attractive. As with many Livistona, this species seems to tolerate inland sun. 20° F Livistona chinensis Chinese Fan Palm A slower growing, thick trunk, fan palm with rather large, flat green leaves that tolerates temperatures down to approximately 20°F. In the desert, it would probably do better with half day sun. 20°F Livistona decipiens Ribbon Fan Palm, Weeping Cabbage Palm A fast growing Livistona species that takes about 18° F. It has wispy-drooping leaflets, and gets very tall, it has a somewhat thin trunk, and is fast growing for a fan. It prefers full sun, even inland. This is a very attractive and under-appreciated palm tree. 18° F Livistona species, other Livistona species, other There are many other species of Livistona. Most tolerate full sun and have potential for desert areas. Most tolerate some cold. All are fan palms with relatively thin trunks for their height. All have small armor on their petioles. Nannorrhops ritcheana Blue Mazari palm, Mazari Palm A suckering, small (to 12 feet) attractive fan palm that has green and blue forms. This clumping palm tolerates hot sun, dry conditions, and temperatures to about 15° F or slightly lower. 15° F Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm, Canary Palm, Pineapple Palm Known as the Canary Island Date Palm, this stately palm has a thick trunk and eventually heights to almost fifty feet. It has pinnate leaves and long spines near the base of the petiole. It is slow growing and wants full sun. Large specimens are typically moved from location to location, especially in upscale developments. It tolerates temperatures into the mid teens F. Recent pruning practices at the top of the trunk have led this species to be called the Pineapple Palm. 15° F Phoenix dactylifera Edible Date Palm, True Date Palm This, the true Date palm, has been used commercially in the desert areas of Palm Springs for years. It takes a female to give dates. Naturally, this plant suckers. Most remove the suckers. It loves heat and desert sun. When pruned and "cleaned up", produces the knobby-like trunk which is seen in commercial plantings. 18° F Phoenix reclinata African Wild Date Palm, Senegal Date Palm This is a suckering, pinnate palm of medium stature that, with time, produces a real stately, impressive specimen. It needs room and tolerates dry inland heat and sun. Its cold tolerance is to about 20° F. Native to South Africa, this species has been used commercial so much that it has hybridized with other Phoenix. True, this species have flat leaves. Hybrids tend to be more plumose. 20° F Phoenix roebelenii Pygmy Date Palm, Dwarf Date Palm The Pigmy Date Palm is single trunk, but often planted as multiples together. They are petite, hardly every above 15 feet when mature. They like full sun and heat but donÂt tolerate temperatures below 25° F. 25° F Phoenix rupicola Cliff Date Palm This is a medium sized, single trunk palm known as the Cliff Date Palm. It has soft, vibrant green leaves that are flat. It is a gorgeous palm to grow. But, it only tolerates temperatures to about 25° F. It may be worth trying in your warmer desert area. 25° F Phoenix sylvestris Silver Date Palm, Sugar Date Palm Native to the Himalayas and nearby mountain ranges, this single trunked, large, silver-green pinnate palm prefers full, hot sun and will take temperatures down to about 22° F. It is very armed and needs room. Smaller than the Canary Island Palm, it is still quite impressive. But, its blue color really shows in hot, dry climate. It would be considered a medium to large tree. 22° F Phoenix theophrastii Cretan Date Palm A suckering, heavily armed and sharply pointed suckering pinnate palm that tolerates more cold than P. reclinata and gets a bit taller. It will take down to about 16° to 18° F, likes hot sun, and has a bit of blue color to the leaves. 16° to 18° F Psuedophoenix species There are some early reports that species of this genus are surviving in hot, desert areas. More data is needed. All are single trunk, crown shafted and beautiful. We will keep you posted with updates as more data comes in. uncertain perhaps mid twenties F. Ravenea glauca This is a fairly new species to nurseries. It is medium sized, up to about 20 feet. The surprising thing is the success itÂs had in some inland areas. Although we donÂt really know yet how far inland this species will grow, it may prove to be a surprise. It is pinnate, single trunk and very beautiful. It tolerates down to about 27° F. 27° F. Ravenea xerophylla This unbelievably slow growing, blue pinnate leafed palm is from Madagascar and seems to thrive in full, hot sun. So far, it seems to tolerate mid to upper twenties F. Reports are that some plants are growing in Arizona. Time will tell, but this species may prove to be a desert winner. 25º + F Rhapidophyllum hystrix Needle Palm, Porcupine Palm, Hedgehog Palm, Blue Palmetto Probably this species is the most cold hardy of all palms. It is a small to medium sized, suckering fan palm that will grow in sun or filtered light. It will tolerate under 0 degrees F. It never gets over ten to 12 feet and suckers. It would probably look its best in less than full sun. Morning sun might prove to be perfect for this species, known as the Needle Palm. It has a hairy trunk with long needle-like spines. 0° F Roystonea regia Cuban Royal Palm (and other species) Although only cold tolerant down to about 26° to 28° F, there are some desert areas that can grow this beauty. What it takes is not too much cold. It seems to tolerate the desert sun and heat and is very quick growing. There are many reports of this species growing in Phoenix, AZ. 26° to 28° F Sabal mauritiformis Savannah Palm Sabal mauritiformis is an exception and doesnÂt take much cold. Many will take into the mid teens F. Other Sabals worth considering include S. etonea, minor, palmetto,mexicana, yappa, rosei and causarium. 15° F Sabal minor Dwarf Palmetto, Bush Palmetto, Swamp palmetto This is a small, minimally-trunking (if at all) fan palm that is native to the Southwest United States. It tolerates full sun and cold to about 15° F. ItÂs a good choice where a small palm is needed. 15° F Sabal "riverside" The Riverside Palm A blue-green, large fan palm that tolerates hot sun and is quick growing. It is probably a form of a Caribbean Sabal that just happens to take cold quite well. It tolerates full, hot inland sun. Recent reports are this species does well at 12° F. 12° F Sabal species, other There are many other species of Sabals that tolerate desert conditions and thrive with the heat. Most have good cold tolerance. Sabal uresana Savannah palmetto, Palma blanca, Sonora Palmetto, The Blue Sabal Native to Northern Mexico and Southern SE United States, this species is quite blue in color and memorable. It is medium sized, single trunked, and very beautiful. Even small seedlings are blue in the shade. It tolerates temperatures into the low 20° F. Low 20°s F Serenoa repens Saw palmetto This is a small, suckering dwarf fan palm that is usually green, but sometimes a blue color. It never gets real tall, perhaps up to 8 feet. It is quite cold hardy to the low teens or a bit lower. It is slow growing and itÂs sometimes difficult to find a big specimen. Low 15°s F Syagrus coronata Licury palm This palm has an unusual trunk with retained old leaf bases that "swirl" up the trunk. With somewhat blue leaves, this single trunk species likes hot sun and will tolerate temperatures at best into the mid-twenties. Early reports are that it takes some inland sun. Perhaps this might prove best for part day sun in warmer desert areas. Mid 20°s F Syagrus romanzoffiana Queen palm The Queen palm can tolerate to about 18 to 20° F and is solitaire, tall, and has a medium sized trunk. It can get up to 60 feet. The leaves are pinnate and plumose (fluffy). 16-17° F or colder will kill this species. It demands full sun and is being grown more and more in inland desert areas. It is fast growing and readily available. 20° F Thrinax species These medium sized fan palms are all single trunk and have rather flat, green leaves. They typically tolerate only 28° F. but can take inland sun. We need further feedback on this genus in the desert areas. 28° F Trachycarpus fortunei Chinese Fan Palm, Chinese Windmill Palm, Chusan Palm, Windmill Palm A single trunk, medium height fan palm with a hairy trunk and nice full head. Known as the Chinese Windmill Palm, it will tolerate temperatures down to about 5° F and is probably the second most cold hardy of all palms. Even though this species does tolerate some inland sun and heat, it performs better in less than full sun, especially in the hotter areas. 5° F Trachycarpus takil Takil Palm Similar to the standard Windmill Palm, this species is a fairly new introduction into the market and has split, fan leaves and cold tolerance to about 15° F. It should tolerate near or full sun in some areas, but in the hottest desert areas should be reserved for part day sun. It is a medium to small species, never getting much over 20 feet. 15° F Trachycarpus wagnerianus A rather small to medium sized palm with small, stiff leaves that prefers full sun along the Coast and is cold tolerant to at least 20° F. It has a hairy trunk and stiffer, smaller leaves than other species of this genus. It is very "cute." Plants that are one to two decades old may only be ten or twelve feet tall. Regarding desert planting, this species is probably better than the previous two Trachycaprus. But, play it safe, probably give it less than full day sun. 20° F Trithrinax acanthicoma Spiny Fiber Palm A medium sized, single trunk fan palm to about 15 feet with attractive "spines" on the fibrous trunk. It tolerates full sun and takes temperatures to at least 15°F and perhaps 12° F. Its overall height is never much above 15 feet and it produces interesting, large slightly yellow fruits. 15° F ( perhaps 12° F) Trithrinax campestris Caranday Palm Native to South America, this species suckers, is blue in color and never gets too tall. Its leaves are pointed and very sharp. It is always hard to find and almost never available as a large specimen. It loves the desert environment and full sun. Washingtonia filifera California Fan palm, Petticoat Palm, American Cotton Palm, California Palm, Desert Fan Palm A large single-trunked, tall fan palm that loves the hot desert areas and tolerates temperatures to about 15° F or slightly colder. Not a good choice for the Coastal area, this species thrives in the desert. It is native to lower areas of Southern California and Northern Mexico. With age, its "petticoat" will fall off giving it a smooth woody trunk, much more stout than itÂs sister, the W. robusta. 15° F Washingtonia robusta Mexican fan palm, Washington Palm, Skyduster Palm A rather thin but very tall fan palm known for itÂs speed of growth and tall trunks. Common in Southern California, the Mexican Fan Palm can be seen almost everywhere. It tolerates temperatures into the upper teens F. and is commonly seen in shopping centers, golf courses, etc. When younger, its petticoat of old leaf bases must be pruned manually for maximum beauty. Upper 15°s F Wodyetia bifurcata Foxtail palm This gorgeous, crownshafted, single trunk palm gets about 25 feet tall and has a fairly thin trunk. Seeds are large and bright red. It loves sun in all Coastal areas and is being grown in some inland areas. There are reports of the Foxtail Palm tolerating as low as 23° F. In time, it may prove possible for some desert areas. But, for now, give in part day sun, until its fate is more firmly understood in the hottest areas. 23° F Summary There are many interesting species of palms that can be successfully grown in hot, inland desert areas in full or part sun. The list presented here is quite extensive, including both pinnate and fan palms, and both small and large palms. Many may work for you. Always remember to consider the cold limitations in your locality. This may prevent some of the species above from growing for you. In addition, ask local experts in your area for more information, and share your experiences with us. Undoubtedly, this list will be expanded or contract as time goes on. But, for now, it will get you started on species that can be grown in your desert climate. Return to Palm Tree Help & Advice Home Contents Palms Cycads Directions To be added to our mailing list click here. Receive quarterly species lists and announcements of Jungle Music's famous Open House Sales! Send mail to phil.bergman@junglemusic.net with inquiries about Jungle Music nursery stock or mail order. © 1997-2007 Jungle Music Palms and Cycads Last modified: March 17, 2007 All major credit cards accepted

Nothing local. The King County Conservation District does have a bare root native plant sale in early spring each year but only includes locally native species - Doug firs, western red cedars, a few different spruces, etc. No redwoods. There are some excellent native plant nurseries in the area that do carry a broader range of Pacific coast natives but not bare root seedlings - just larger potted plants. And better local retail nurseries will have a similar offering but seldom, if ever, seedlings and never bare root - what they call "retail ready" plants, with generally the smallest a 1G potted plant. But even those are difficult to locate - larger specimens of named cultivars are far more common. You may just be looking at mail order sources.