Will a Coconut Palm Grow in the Desert?

Coconut palms are popular, tropical plants that are well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Coconut palms, however, do not thrive in areas with low annual rainfall or extreme temperature fluctuations. Consequently, a coconut palm should not be planted in the desert.

Temperature Requirements - Coconut palms are not cold tolerant. They prefer year-round temperatures should average 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Temperatures under 32 F will almost certainly injure the palms. Prolonged cold periods or a series of sudden weather shifts may severely injure the palm. Deserts are characterized by sudden shifts in the weather. Large fluctuations frequently occur between day and night.

Rainfall Requirements - Everyone knows deserts do not receive much rain. The rain that does fall tends to occur exclusively in short bouts one or two times a year. Coconut palms require at least 40 inches of evenly distributed rainfall year-round for sustained growth. The amount and distribution pattern of rain in the desert is clearly not in line with the growing requirements of a coconut palm.

References:

Can Coconut Palm Trees Grow in Arizona?

University of Florida: The Coconut Palm in Florida

"Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates;" Bijan Dehgan; 1998.