HOW TO TRIM & REMOVE THE FLOWER FROM YOUR CYCAS REVOLUTA ( SAGO PALM )

In this video I will detail how to remove the flower from your Sago Palm ( Cycas Revoluta ) safely. In my opinion the flower is a real mess and always makes me happy when it is time to remove it. I hope this video will make you feel at ease when you decide to start removing the "mess" and prepare your Sago for new growth. Please subscribe and give a thumbs up if you gt anything out of this content. Check out some of my other videos and there are more to come!!

[@p.franklin3162]

WOW,your Sago Palm project was amazing ,never have seen such a trimming you made it look so fast and easy I personally would appreciate a review of how your Sago responds to this cleanup just to know what to expect when I trim my own. It looked so healthy after it was hosed down and cleaned out ! Thank you

[@burkefranklin1]

Thanks for watching… I hope to hear from you on my next video!!!!! Burke

[@IslandDigital]

How can I send you some photos of a sago I have and have never noticed the growth in middle before ? Do you have an email or messenger address ?

[@markhaunert5029]

Now that was a video worth watching. I learned about 6 things. Thanks for sharing and new sub for sure 👍✌️

[@burkefranklin1]

Hey Mark, glad you felt like it was time well spent!! That makes me feel good to hear that feedback. Much appreciated 👍. Burke

[@markhaunert5029]

@burkefranklin1 I've been taking care of plants my whole life so my opinion of your work has some merit. Unfortunately I have to play with these beautiful guys in pots being in zone 6,7. 😢. Thx again 🪴🌴

[@robertlizalageorge8011]

thanks for the video. I thought my sago was dead.

[@burkefranklin1]

Glad your sago is still with us 🙂👍. Burke

[@robertlizalageorge8011]

@@burkefranklin1 how long does it take for it to grow new branches once the flower is removed?

[@mario3804]

Got a question I have my sagos in a container, they get full sun. How much water do I need to give them and which fertilizer do you recommend.

[@lt2143]

Wow, that was some serious pruning! Hope the plant didn't go into shock. Thought watering newly pruned plants with exposed cuts would cause rot and leave them susceptible to pests and diseases. Curious to see a follow-up video to see how it's doing.

[@burkefranklin1]

Thanks so much for watching first of all! I have never had any issues watering or spraying my sagos after trimming. I am happy to report that since that video was made, there have been two sets of very healthy fronds!! I would do a follow up video but I am worried only a hand full of people want to follow a sagos journey through life. If the plant ever does something interesting I may just put it in a staring video role again. Thanks again for the comment. Burke

[@carlafoxworth3501]

@@burkefranklin1 I would follow!!

[@GeorgeHixon-sv5zz]

So helpful! I do have a question. My stalks have multiple crowns and was wondering how to deal with that?

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi George, sometimes multi heads develop. There is not much you can do except trim them all the same. Sometimes, the fronds will cross over and overlap with the head next to it. If that happens you can always cut all the fronds off one arm and the following season trim the other and let the fronds grow on the other. I hope I answered your question. Thank you for the question. Burke

[@speedsterspeedy2146]

Sago palm cleaning today and used chain saw. Mine are male- left the new cones on. Planted 3 sagos in ground and Harvested new pups as well. Hopefully they don’t dry out

[@burkefranklin1]

Thanks for watching speedy! Sounds like we were both doing some Sago clean up at the same time. Was working on a 5 sago makeover! I hope your project turned out beautiful and good luck on those pups!! Hope to see you on my next video. Burke

[@milindbedekar8924]

Really helpful video. How deep is the root system of the sago palm and is it feasible for one person to remove it? We are looking to dig them completely out. Thank you.

[@burkefranklin1]

Hello, I have found that the root system is not terribly deep. The actual depth will depend on the size of the plant. Without knowing the height of the trunk, it is hard to guess. If you want a guess then let me know, otherwise just go at it with a pick and shovel. You will have it out on no time… maybe not no time but definitely within an hour max. Thanks for watching! Burke

[@jeandiltz8362]

I don't get any flower.I get a lot of baby palm that grows at the bottom in the dirt.Sometimes it comes out of the tree.I can't seem to grow them.thanks jean

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Jean, It takes many years for a sago to come or flower. Some take 10-15 years and some never. Even the male plants will have pups. The pups growing out of the side are harder to plans because they have no root. I like a few just for looks. Maybe I will do a video someday on planting pups. Thanks for watching. Burke

[@rickkatz-tn7sz]

What month is this and what grow zone are you in? Thanks

[@giliamsmit]

Hello from South Africa. Thanks...I never knew that the flower may be removed. When would you recommend removing the pups?

[@burkefranklin1]

Hello Giliam, I am glad you got something out of my video. I remove pups all year long but only when the ground is dry and the scar from removing the pup has a couple days to dry without getting wet. After it dries you can replace the soil if it was underground. If the pup is above the surface just try and let it dry before getting wet. Not a big deal if it got wet but I prefer it to dry. Thanks again for the question 👍 Burke

[@giliamsmit]

​@@burkefranklin1- thank you, it helps a lot

[@sbusisogcabashe1081]

thanks brother

[@kimpollard6021]

It’s me again, Lol. My sago looks like there are seeds however, I have not seen those velvety looking “leaves” of the flower. I do see new fronds that are forming like they normally do in the crown of the plant. I wish I could send a photo so you can see what I have. Thanks!

[@burkefranklin1]

Hey Kim, that would be something I have never seen if your sago were having seeds and new fronds at the same time. I wish I could see a picture also. Tell me more… the seeds start off as a creamy white color.

[@kimpollard6021]

@@burkefranklin1 I can send a photo if you send your email address. They are already red looking, not white.

[@YolandaGarcia-ic4fr]

Great tips. Question we live in central California when is the right time to remove babies. Does weather affect this? TIA

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Tia! I have never had issues removing pups at any time of year. I am from Ventura County. I would say it is best to remove during a warm dry period so that the main plant has an opportunity to dry up where you removed the pup. That is the most important thing, let the plant scar dry up before covering with dirt again. I appreciate the question and your time watching. Burke

[@simamajid2]

Can we remove it while it is still green and doesn't have any seeds ?

[@burkefranklin1]

Yes!! Good luck. Burke

[@bartender4877]

I left mine in the garden ( I’m from The Netherlands) I didn’t know I hade a houseplant thought it was a out door plant. Butadieen a few nights of freezing I’ve noticed the leaves turned yellow/ brownish. Should I cut them of and take it inside? Or should I cut it in the spring/ summer? Thank you

[@burkefranklin1]

The Sago will tolerate cold temperatures but I am not sure at what temp it becomes unsafe for the plant. These plants can take a couple years to become acclimated to either hot or cold temps. A small sago may have a difficult time in extreme cold… maybe leave it outside and move it closer to the house or in a spot surrounded by other plants to give it some protection. Thanks for watching ! Burke

[@kellyhawkins1601]

This was just the video I was looking for. Thanks for sharing. I do have a question though about the female flower like the one you removed. How long should I leave it on the plant before removing? Mine has been there for at least 6 months but is not at all dried up yet. It is full of really big orange seeds and I too have a dog. So getting keen to remove it now. I just don't want to remove too early if it damages the plant growth at all? Thanks for your guidance.

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Kelly, thanks for the question. I feel once the seeds have turned orange and you are tired of the flower it is time to remove. You definitely want to do it before the leaves dry up and the seeds start to fall (protect the doggy). I found that once you remove the flower it expedites the new fronds to come out. Cheers! Burke

[@kellyhawkins1601]

@@burkefranklin1 thanks so much for the reply and the super helpful videos too. I have learnt alot from watching them. And I'll be removing the flower, and protecting my dog in the process. Thanks again.

[@paulalife123]

Thanks a lot

[@wgj431]

Without any advise, I did the same trimming, but in addition I wanted to shorten the plant. So, I took a saw and cut the whole top off to shorten the trunk down a few inches. The question is, did I kill the plant?

[@burkefranklin1]

You did not kill the plant but it will no longer grow out the center. It will eventually grow multiple heads from the side of the cut. You could actually take the top part you cut and plant it. In a couple years it will be well rooted. Good luck! Burke

[@wgj431]

@@burkefranklin1 That’s interesting to note, because it seemed like most of past growth was coming out more from the side than the top. The top was somewhat flat and more a collector of fallen leaves. So perhaps the last home owner may have once done the same as I, to keep the trunk at same height. In fact, from the lack of any branches coming off the top, I mistook the plant for a pygmy palm, which I was told by a nursery are not contiguous to our area. Anyway, I thank you for your help. I feel better that I won’t be having to dig it out.

[@chrisball6900]

Can the female flower be removed while it is still developing and at a pre-seeding stage? I have one that has seeded for the past 2 years and is 'at it' again now. The fronds are obviously not getting the sustenance now, this is going into more seeds that I don't want. Thanks.

[@burkefranklin1]

Wow, you have a very productive plant. To bad you are not a seed farmer! I have definitely removed the flower while the seeds are just forming. My only advice is to be careful not to cut the point in the middle where the fronds originate from. Good luck. Burke

[@bruceande1]

Hey Burke thanks for the vid!! Are the seeds good for propagating and whats the process? Thanks again!!!

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Bruce, many of the seeds would be good for propagating. As the seeds get older and are left on the plant for season after season … it is less likely you will be successful. The process would be a better video than a reply like this. I will have to make a video ! Thanks for watching and hope you will watch future videos! Burke

[@lnparker40]

Can I remove the flower before it's to this stage? Its just now starting to form and I'm not interested in propigating

[@burkefranklin1]

Yes you can, just do it carefully and do not damage the very center are where the fronds come out. Thanks for watching… hope to hear from you again. Burke

[@shauntromans2404]

Hi I live in the UK, my sago flowered for the first time this year, its got lots of pups round the base so assumed it was female, but the flower was a male flower tall and conical is that normal?

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Shaun, congratulations on raising a mature sago. You definitely have a male plant. I have seen videos where people talk about sagos that have pups as female plants… this is not true. Male plants have just as many pups as the females. I hope to hear from you again on another video. Cheers! Burke

[@bobstewart8715]

Bob Stewart Can you take off the flower that hasn’t died yet or should you wait . My sago palm has had two flowers in 2 years and I have another one this year .

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Bob, that is unusual to flower that often. Your plant must have a lot of energy stored to do that. I am wondering if the fronds from 2 years ago are still green and healthy? Now to answer your question: You should be fine to remove the new flower but be careful not to damage or cut the crown ( the center point of the plant). Leave it nice and pointy! Thanks for the question and for watching. Burke

[@celynamez]

so lucky mine hasnt flowered in a couple years i didnt even know they could haha

[@you4034]

how long it will take to grow the leaves back again?

[@burkefranklin1]

Hi Nelly, the leaves “fronds” come back very quickly once they start to come up. I am guessing about 3 weeks. Thanks for the question and see you on another video I hope. Burke

[@lilikoijuci]

What kind of gloves do you use? I need better ones. I have a 30yr old sago at my place and I'm cleaning it up. The old fronds, and what looks like thorns, are dried up and they're like daggers. I need better gloves.

[@burkefranklin1]

You will want to use full leather gloves. Once those fronds turn brown they become weapons!!! They are much harder to cut when brown also…Another good reason to trim the old ones off when the new ones start to grow. Good luck and hope your sago does not bite you. 🙂 Burke

[@lilikoijuci]

@@burkefranklin1 😂😂 seriously, weapons! Now that I live here I'm going to make sure the weapons don't form again. I'm cleaning up after an old tenant. Thank you so much for all your informative and helpful videos.

[@jeandiltz8362]

What kind of dirt you use

[@A.I.MUSICBOX]

[@burkefranklin1]

Thank you for watching! Burke

[@TotheWoods]

Can I remove the female dome before it opens?

[@burkefranklin1]

Yes you can. It will probably help the next fronds come out early. Thanks for watching👍 Burke

[@prewartypecardcollecting6166]

I am a Sego Palm lover in Kansas and my hobby is to germinate seeds. What are the chances that I can purchase seeds from you?

[@burkefranklin1]

Thanks for the question… If I had some special ability to supply great seeds I would certainly try and get some to you. The truth is you can do much better locally than having seeds shipped from CA. Maybe just go on a neighborhood walk and knock on a few doors when you see the plants with seeds. I think most people would let you take your fill. Thanks for asking. Burke

[@prewartypecardcollecting6166]

@@burkefranklin1 sorry I am in Kansas so no seeds here LOL I like to germinate them as a way to bring California to me, since I can’t be there😀

[@hakunasjamatata9816]

Are there still any use for those vut fronds?

[@burkefranklin1]

I don’t understand the question, can you please ask it in a different way? Thanks

[@hakunasjamatata9816]

@@burkefranklin1 typo error. Will those cuttings or cut fronds be just thrown away or can it be replanted?

[@BeckVMH]

These are very toxic to pets and I assume, all animals to include humans. One article stated "The fatality rate of a dog that ingests any part of the Sago Palm is between 50 and 75%. Of those that don't die from the initial ingestion, most go through their lives with liver damage, and up to 90% of them eventually die from complications of that liver damage."

[@burkefranklin1]

Thank you for the input Dave. I have no way of confirming that information but the bottom line is … be aware of the possible danger to your pets. I have had two dogs over the years that loved to either pull off pups and chew them up or do the same to fronds. Neither dog ever had a problem with health… one lives a full healthy life to 14yrs and the other is young and still pulling off fronds occasionally. He may not live so long if he doesn’t start listening and leaving my sagos alone lol ! Thanks for watching. Burke

[@ethancanin]

Have you ever tried pulling each leaf (with leather gloves on) at a lateral angle, left or right, instead of clipping. The pull right out and it gets to be easy once you get in a rhythm, haha!

[@burkefranklin1]

I have never tried it… I have seen it done and might have to give it a try. Thanks for watching and maybe I will give your technique a try in a future video. Burke

[@swright7001]

How to Butcher a Sago

[@burkefranklin1]

Sloan, thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I hope to here from you again. Burke

[@gailconlon9507]

I do not have a dog that would be harmed.

[@burkefranklin1]

Do you have sagos?