I am in zone 5. South of Chicago...in joliet.
I have grown. Them for the past 3 years, and this will be my 4th.
The first year I planted 2 plants about this time...they didnt get very big, only about a foot tall. they did get full sun, and were watered well but never took off like i thought they would. When I went to winter them over... I was reading and thought that just throwing a bag of mulch over them should be ok.... in the sping they were dead.
The next year I got 2 new pups and planted them...they got to be about 1.5-2 ft tall and dug them up and wintered them inside... they didnt grow that much over the winter....
The next spring I replanted them and they grew to be about 3.5-4 ft tall.. When the fall came and the leaves died back...i cut the leaves off and built a chicken wire cage around them...filled it with much and wraped it in plastic.
This past spring...NOTHING???
I was gonna try again this early summer and see what I can do... I am changing were I plant them.... and see if that helps...it get a hour or 2 more of sun..total of 12-14 hrs a day.
I have read that if you take a plastic trash can and flip it over on the plant with much in it.... and pin it down that might work better?
also...wrap the plant before I flip the can will also help....
I am not gonna put light bulbs out there....that is just way to much?????
Anyone that lives close by me can you please tell me how you put your Basjoo to bed for the winter?
Or anyone with any good ideas?
I think I give them enough water and food during the growing season. I grow banana plants in the house and they grow well...so I think im doing something right???? Im having the problem growing ...pups into good plants outside
any ideas would help me....
I do like growing bananas indoors and out...and i think if i can get these to live...im gonna give up with the outdoor plants and just stick to indoor plants..
thanks!!!!
