Quote:
Originally Posted by marenmar
Hi Jack, thanks  ! Can you tell me how you planted them and cared for them to get them to survive? Do you have pics from it? |
Well, at first I cleaned them in water, soaked for about 15 to 30 minutes. While they were drinking I dug up some holes and then put the corms in those holes. But first I had to cut back the P-stem until I saw a healthy circle.
I did one or 2 mistakes I should warn you about. We have very good soils that are idle for growing lots of plants, but not bananas. They are excellent in water holding capacity, natural mineral consistence, but once it rains and then the soil dries out, it creates a protective, dried exoskelatal like structure. It's very hard to break it, I know, sounds ridiculous, but it's important.
I forgot that the soil does this in about 5cm from the top and they reach good temperatures (the soil is in 25cm warm, if not almost hot).
Other problem is, that the pup started to make the roots on the upper part of the bulb. But the soil was too heavy and too difficult to make roots in.
This was the most capital mistake I made.
If you can, use a well drained soil, about 1/2 sand the other part just ordinary soil or compost. It will be easier for your roots to make their way. I would maybe have twice as large plants now, if I didn't underestimate the soil factor.
Also don't put the corm too deep, cause it won't grow well either. It need to feel the warmth.
Water daily in smaller amounts, don't let water to hold there teh hwole day or you will risk rotting.
I don't have many pics from the process, but bare root bulb did this in about 2 months.
I should also say, that this bulb has not started growing above the soil level and I'm experimenting with 1 propagation method on it.
Wish me luck.
