Hmm, a foot and a half tall??? Thats some pretty good beef under ground. I planted some basjoos last September 07 right before the fall weather, they grew about a foot tall before winter came and I cut the stem down to about 6 inches, covered them with chopped leaves. They had about 2 months of growth before I cut them down.
When Spring arrived this year, I uncovered them and they grew about 6 feet.
IF you can keep the corm from freezing, with a heavy blanket of leaves, then the ground will not freeze. I would stay away from Hay as it holds moisture and disease. Cut the Pstem down to about a foot, cover with leaves.
I live in 6a, and it gets down right cold, I have never lost a basjoo from the winters in Kentucky.
I have a shotty picture from a friend that you can use as a guide if you can see it. The far right is what your plant should look like after cutting and covering your banana's for the winter. Sorry for the blur, my camera would not focus for some reason.
Remember your plants
Sleep- the first year they concentrate on roots and corm growth
Creep- Second year show some signs of growth
Leap- Third year they grow like crazy.
With Tropicals anything is possible since they grow at staggering rates.
As always go with your heart and good luck with your decision.
