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Old 06-05-2019, 11:25 PM   #2 (permalink)
Tytaylor77
Banana Plants for Trade
 
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Location: East Texas
Zone: 8b
Name: Ty
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Default Re: Introduction and question all in one

Welcome Nick!

Blue java and namwa which is sold as “blue java/ice cream” are both very cold hardy. In your zone I’ve seen people plant them in the south side of a house and mulch them heavy. And they did survive. However exactly like you say, if you cut them to the ground you will never get fruit. A banana plant needs an average of 300-350 growth days to flower. Then another 60-120+ days to fill/ripen. So digging and storing dormant over winter would be your best option!

I would highly recommend dwarf Orinoco. It is the most cold hardy fruiting banana. Plus it only grows to 6’-7’. So it’s easy to handle. Some people store them dormant or even keep them as a house plant over winter. Then simply plant back after your last frost! In your zone getting fruit does require a bit of work and effort! But it for sure can be done!

Good luck! There is a lot of info on here to help you!
Ty
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