Your Questions Answered: Growing Tropical Plants in Canada

Your orders can be placed anytime prior to mid-April.  At that point the order is being prepped at the Farm for shipping. This includes USDA inspection. For the following year, we consult, review your grounds if necessary, and start taking orders past the September long-weekend once the Niagara Tropics season is closed.  Simply use the Contact Us form or email us directly.  The Store attached is for inventory and reserving only.  SHOP HERE

Yes, we always bring in extras just in case on first serve basis.  Email us at 905palms@gmail.com and inquire today on what inventory is remaining, we'd love to help you out.  

Last of your orders are placed by mid-April.   Many sourcing farms gather the palms to a central facility, to be inspected by the USDA.  Once inspected and stamped, the material is ready for pickup.  This process can take up to 2-3 weeks for arrival by the first week of May.  Simply contact us directly 905palms@gmail.com.  May is the best time of year!!

Yes! Certain palm species can survive Canadian winters when you choose the right variety and provide proper winter protection. Cold‑hardy palms like the Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei), Needle Palm, and Sabal Minor have evolved to handle freezing temperatures far better than most people expect.  Canada gets cold, but your palm doesn't have to panic.

In regions like southern Ontario, British Columbia’s coastal areas, and parts of Nova Scotia, these palms can thrive outdoors year‑round with the right care. Even in colder zones, they can be grown successfully by zone-pushing with winter insulation, heat cables/C-9 incandescent lights, or protective enclosures.  Details Here  

Cold tolerance varies by species, but here’s a quick guide:

- Windmill Palm: survives down to around –12°C to –15°C (short bursts)

- Needle Palm: one of the hardiest palms on earth, tolerating –20°C or lower 

- Sabal Minor: hardy to roughly –18°C 

- European Fan Palm: generally hardy to –10°C 

These numbers assume the palm is healthy, well‑rooted, and protected from wind chill. With proper winter protection (insulation, heat cables, or a winter box or Teepee frame), palms can tolerate even colder conditions than their natural limits.

The top-performing palms for Canadian climates are:

- Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei):  The most popular and reliable outdoor palm in Canada 

- Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix):  Extremely cold‑hardy and slow‑growing 

- Sabal Minor (Dwarf Palmetto):  Bulletproof cold tolerance and great for low-maintenance gardens 

- European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis):  Hardy and architectural, great for patios and protected microclimates 

These species combine cold tolerance, resilience, and strong visual impact, making them ideal for Canadian gardeners who want a tropical look without tropical weather.  

In most cases, palms grow faster in the ground because they have more room for root expansion, better moisture stability, and access to natural soil biology. 

However, in colder regions or for beginners, pots offer flexibility:

- Easier to move indoors or into shelter 

- Faster soil warming in spring 

- Great for patios and seasonal displays 

Give a palm some real estate and it’ll reward you with growth

If your goal is long-term growth and a permanent landscape feature, plant your palm in the ground. If you want mobility or are experimenting with palms for the first time, containers are a great option.  Consult our Palm guide HERE  

Most cold‑hardy palms thrive in full sun, which means 6–8 hours of direct light per day. In Canada, where sunlight intensity is lower than tropical regions, giving your palm as much sun as possible helps:

- Increase growth rate 

- Strengthen the trunk 

- Improve winter resilience 

- Deepen leaf colour 

In very hot microclimates (e.g., south-facing brick walls), young palms may appreciate light afternoon shade until established.  Mostly shaded areas can elongate the petiole as the fronds will 'reach' for the sunlight.  Visit HERE for Hardy Palm varieties, and consult our Growers guide

Absolutely!  Depending on your climate zone, there are certain species of hardy plants and cold hardy palms that can work in many parts of Canada.  With proper planting, care, and moderate winterization protection methods, you can truly enjoy these palms year after year!  Before you decide, please consult our GUIDE titled Canada Palm Growing Guide as to options that work best for your garden.  Email us at 905palms@gmail.com

Avoid unwrapping mid‑winter. Warm spells can trick palms into waking up early, making them vulnerable when temperatures drop again. Keep protection in place until spring conditions stabilize.  

Don't let a January thaw fool your palm into thinking its in Florida.

Check out our Canada Palm Growing Guide

Ventilation is key!  That's it! Add small vents or leave a slight gap at the top of your winter box or slits into the Teepee wrap, to allow humidity to escape. Moisture buildup can lead to crown rot, especially during freeze–thaw cycles.  Ventilation prevents moisture buildup and reduces crown rot risk

A little airflow keeps your palm’s winter home from turning into a sauna.

Check out our Canada Palm Growing Guide or our how-to Youtube vids HERE

Old‑style incandescent Christmas lights can provide gentle warmth, but LED lights do nothing. If you use lights, ensure they’re outdoor‑rated and avoid direct contact with the crown.  Although heat cables can be equally effective, Niagara Tropics prefers the lights, thus lending visual evidence they are operational.

Check out our Canada Palm Growing Guide Youtube vids HERE

Generally, no. Palms go dormant in winter and require very little moisture. Overwatering during cold months increases the risk of root rot. Only water if the soil becomes extremely dry in your region. Avoid watering palms in winter; too much moisture causes root rot.

Potted palms freeze quickly; bring them indoors or insulate heavily.  Do not leaved potted palms outdoors.

Check out our Canada Palm Growing Guide

The spear test is your best indicator. Gently tug the central spear, if it stays firm, the palm is alive. If it pulls out, treat with hydrogen peroxide and wait for warm weather. Many palms recover even after looking rough in early spring.  A firm spear means survival; a loose spear needs treatment but can still recover.

Palms love dramatic spring comebacks... give them time..

Canada Hardiness Map

USDA Hardiness Map

We are open during normal business hours for correspondence only.  The Homestead gardenscape is open during the Summer months starting in May, evenings and weekends.  Book your tour today by contacting us HERE, we truly enjoy talking palms and discussing the possibilities you can explore! 

Niagara Tropics only accepts Interac e-transfer and Cash only for payment prior to the pick up time.  In order to reduce additional fees, we do not accept any Credit Cards.  We only take deposits of 50% for orders above $1200 depending on the institution being used, as the E-Transfer limits can vary between banking institutions.  

Yes, we offer delivery within the GTA, Niagara Region, Kitchener/ Waterloo/London.  Please reach out to discuss options.

As Canada's #1 Source of Cold Hardy Palm Trees, we ship within Canada only, all provinces.  We are currently working with USDA on export regulations to facilitate US shipping.  Buffalo, Rochester, PA, stay tuned!  CUSMA pending 2026

Cold hardy palm trees that we carry are very resistant to pests and disease and pose no known threat to pets.  Our dog loves to gnaw on the base of the trunk of Windmills.  The Castor Bean plant seeds are toxic if ingested.  These should be cut away prior to maturity...  Sago palms are toxic to pets, so we don't bring them in...

Palmscaping is unique to you and your garden space.  If you are having trouble envisioning your space for unique palms and Tropicals, we can help.  We can review on-site, free, with no obligation to help walk you though what your vision can be.  We will also provide a virtual idea emailed shortly after, detailing your garden vision.  Your vision is key to your happiness, allow up to bring it to life!  Click HERE for more information!

By selecting the correct palm for your climate or zone, protection can vary if at all. Cold-hardy palms are tougher than they look, they just need a cozy winter jacket. In late fall, tie up the fronds, wrap the trunk, and add a simple insulated cover to keep the crown dry and protected. During deep freezes, a thermostat‑controlled heat cable or heat lights, gives your palm a gentle warm hug. Come spring, unwrap and let the tropical vibes return.  For a simple detailed step by step guide, email us at 905palms@gmail.com. or visit HERE