Quote:
Originally Posted by rhymechizel
I live in Utah (zone 6) where it is quite dry. Just wondering who is growing bananas in such a climate and what people have had success with.
thanks-DAN
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Dan i live in zone 9b. its hot as hades here and dry are average humidity is 20% or lower. i grow my nanas in pots. they get 60% shade nothing after 12. i rape the pots in shade cloth to keep the sun off them. watering is pretty much a every day thing. i haven't grown them through a summer yet. I'm probably going to have to water twice a day in the hot months. I'm using Vigro palm food which was recommended to me by Jared (Medea hound). i also put trays of water out three per pot to help with the humidity. i spray around the pots in the heat of the day. At Best my nanas are doing OK not grate just OK they still get some sun burn so I'm contemplating erecting a permanent shade cloth over them that lets approx. 50% of the light throw.
when the Temp gos over 100 I'm going to bring them inside for the moths of Jul., Aug., and Sept.
i know it sounds a bit complicated. but I'm really in to them so at least for this year all try. hope this helps! i think the thing to keep in mind is they are tropical and need lots of care if your are going to grow them. a green house would be ideal and thats my plan for this fall. but if your sun is as intense as mine then thats complicated too more of a cave with shades and water. that would certainly lower the care level. I also grow orchids which allot of people think is imposable in the Mohave. trust me its not that hard. lastly i just want to say i have the worst luck Murphy is my constant companion. So if i can do it you can to. I really think the key is humidity and keeping them cool.