Originally Posted by Ray DeCecco

I planted an Orinoco start this past spring. The start was approx. 12" tall and now it is over 8 ft. with a 5' trunk. No sign of any blossoms yet.I would like to know what I should do with it this fall? i.e. cut it back and protect the corm system from frost? Leave it as is and protect the corm system? I have some ornamental banana trees and I simply cut them down to within approx. 10" from the ground then I pile its brown leaves plus some wood chips around the corm system for the winter. Next year it comes back to the usual 8'-10' height with lots of tiny bananas. This is my first attempt to grow edible bananas with the Orinoco. I live near Myrtle Beach, SC and while our winters are mild....we do get some freezing temperatures. Any guidance would be appreciated.