AllenF

I will be planting Musa Basjoo out in the spring on a permanent basis. While the area low temperature over the last 5 years is -29*C, I would expect that long term low temperatures to reach -35*C or colder.

I intend to provide an insulated shelter similar to the ones that I have built for my Palms. This would include insulating below the surface at least 12" to keep frost from the roots as well as above ground to protect the pseudostem. I also intend to provide heat in the enclosure.

I have several questions to help me determine the size of the shelter as well as the depth of insulation and type of heating.

Grown in zone 6 or 7:

How large of a ground area would a single pup expand into after 5 years more or less in the ground?

How deep would the roots grow?

How wide would the roots extend?

At what temperature would the plant defoliate?

The Wiki says that the plant will withstand -19*C/-3*F unprotected. What is your experience?

Would a temperature between -6*C/21*F(less than 24 hours, 3 or 4 times per winter) and 12*C/55*F(less than 10 hours, 20 to 30 times per winter) be adequate for the plant to survive? Normal temperatures would be a high of -1*C to 4*C/ 30*F to 40*F and a low of -3*C to 2*C/27*F to 35*F.

I intend to use 3" rigid styrofoam for the shelter and provide heat by way of a heating cable at the rate of 2.5 Watts per cubic foot of air space within the shelter.

I do not want to under build the shelter. I also do not want to be heating unnecessary space from Mid October to Mid April.

I appreciate any assistance that you can provide.

I am serious. I have Cycas revoluta, Yucca elephantipes, Butia capitata, Chamaerops humilis and other plants in a heated shelter this winter. They have survived exterior temps of -24.6*C with no noticeable damage.

Thanks

Allen

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You don't have to be crazy to grow Bananas in Alberta, but it helps