They can take to about 20 years for that. And of course in Melbourne they'd probably be a bit slower growing and could take longer still. 1.5 to 2.5 metres is still small for bangalows.

Ohh I can't wait that long haha

I have seen other bangalow palms in my area that are about 3.5 meters tall and have fruits on them?

Is there any way to speed the growing rate?

My neighbors are only a few years older then mine..and they bloomed at 8-10 years in ground here in the east San Francisco bay area that has been compared to Melbourne in terms of temperatures.

Melbourne gets some extreme heat and low humidity at times, which wouldn't appeal to Bangalows. But I have seen some there that are doing really well. Then there's one on my parents place which isn't doing well at all. it could be all in the local soil and conditions.

I think that those Palm trees you say aren't looking so good are probably grown on rainfall alone. THAT might be something thats overlooked- unlike California where everything is irrigated.

I wouldn't doubt Howeas and many tender palm species all over soucal would do just fine in Melbourne if irrigated. BUT, they "they don't do well" might mean for those grown on their own. Aren't tree ferns native to the hills around Melbourne?..so they get summer rains too.

This post was edited by stanofh on Fri, May 16, 14 at 18:42

Dickensonias are common there. The 2 on my parents place get scorched each summer but are still growing okay.