The Pindo Jelly Palm is perhaps one of the easiest to manage fruit trees on our land. In fact, the one time I tried to give it water and fertilizer, it died. My policy now for my pindo palms is to stick them in the ground and ignore them.
Pros of Pindo Jelly Palm
Dislikes fertilizer and water input, particularly when recently planted. When mature the Pindo Jelly Palm will produce hundreds of pounds of fruit per palm per year.
The Pindo Jelly Palm has the characteristics of a highly wind resistant palm (quite a beautiful palm in my opinion). I’ve planted mine in a position which will hopefully help slow down hurricane force winds from reaching our home.
Pindo Jelly Palm Uses
Most often the fruit is used to make jam or jelly(hence its name), but the fruit is also eaten out of hand. The tastes described across the internet vary, but seem mostly positive. You could even make jelly palm wine if you dare.
UPDATE 8/18/2018: We have our first fruit after only 2 years, the kids and chickens are currently fighting over it because it is very good! I’ve only had one so far and my wife and I haven’t been able to pinpoint the taste, but it tastes very similar to some kind of candy . . . I’ll update this post once we pin it down.
Personal Experience
As mentioned above, I killed my first planting by fertilizing it (a proper amount) too soon after I planted it in the ground. Palms from what I know now, do not like to be fertilized for several months after being transplanted. The new tree I purchased as a 3 gallon plant I stuck in the ground and have subsequently ignored since May 2015. It has doubled its size and continues to grow quickly.
Propagation of Pindo Palm
Seeds – I have ordered some seeds from the internet, but they have never sprouted. Most sources state that the seeds are easy to sprout. I suspect the ones I received came from an old supply.
Future Plans
I would like to plant 4 to 5 of these palms near a place where goats and chickens could access the dropped fruit and would also reduce the wind speed reaching my house. They are expensive to buy usually, but I plan on growing them from seed.
Cons of The Pindo Jelly Palm
Too much fertilizer input may kill the tree. Fruit may drop and create a stench or a mess attracting animals, i.e., think about where you plant. This doesn’t like the heat of south Florida summers, but will survive anyway.
Conclusion
This is a go to tree for any food forest or permie. 5 out ot 5 stars for the lack of care needed. Essentially this palm makes free food. Explore other fruit trees for a food forest.
