Reminosys

I'm far less versed in the cultivation of bananas, so hopefully someone else can chime in here. As to whether to lop off the flower, it sounds reasonable enough to do. Probably leave the leaves to slowly die back on their own, so that the plant can store more energy before winter really hits.

As for what to do with #1, it does depend on some factors. Bananas can survive outdoors in zone 9b, but the fruit growth might be stunted from cold. The microclimate also plays a part, but it ultimately is a gamble on weather conditions. Cutting it off now seems a reasonable course of action. Were it me, I'd run the risk and keep it on, but that's probably only because I haven't been at this long enough to get a harvest.

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Aspiring botanist | Trash horticulturist