What Is a Big Freeze?

During the 80's most of the country experienced at least two very cold spells. Texas had two Big Freezes, one in 1983 and one in 1989. During this time many palms perished; in the Coastal Bend area at least 80 percent of all palms were lost. Some that were left after the 1983 freeze were killed by the 1989 freeze. Here in Corpus Christi the temperatures got down to 20F on the 24th of December, 14F on Christmas morning, 26F on the 26th, 26F on the 29th, 18F on the 30th and 28F on the 31st. A total of 78 consecutive hours of freezing or below temperatures from 7:00 p.m. of the 23rd to 1:00 a.m. on the 27th. The 1989 freeze was even colder with a low temperature of 13F on Dec 23 '89. But as nature's law of survival took hold some palms managed to survive both onslaughts of cold frigid weather.

So when we're talking about Big Freezes, we're talking about south Texas. How much cold can *your* palm take? Ultimately, the only way to find out is to grow one and find out! On a more practical note, do some research to determine how cold your worst winters can get. Then select a plant that withstand a "big freeze" for your area, or be content to grow something a little more tender and enjoy it while you can.

An extensive review of cold weather in south Texas is available through the Palm Society of South Texas website where you will find an article on The South Texas Big Freeze.