What did you harvest today (bananas)

[I_GROWER]

Another wild Monzano bunch
http://i.imgur.com/XYiVobX.jpg

[venturabananas]

44 pounds of Dwarf Namwah.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/markasteele/dwarfnamwahbunch_2014_01_06_zps0284d5a2.jpg (http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/markasteele/media/dwarfnamwahbunch_2014_01_06_zps0284d5a2.jpg.html)

[servatusprime]

44 pounds of Dwarf Namwah.

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/markasteele/dwarfnamwahbunch_2014_01_06_zps0284d5a2.jpg (http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/markasteele/media/dwarfnamwahbunch_2014_01_06_zps0284d5a2.jpg.html)

Just keep pushing that wheelbarrow down to my house!

[sunfish]

I harvested some store bought cavendish

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/musanamwah/004-43.jpg (http://s950.photobucket.com/user/musanamwah/media/004-43.jpg.html)

[sal]

I harvested some store bought cavendish

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/musanamwah/004-43.jpg (http://s950.photobucket.com/user/musanamwah/media/004-43.jpg.html)

Congrats on your bounty!

[momoese]

46 pounds of Pisang Klotek. Should have harvested a week or so ago to avoid the splitting skins. My wife wanted me to smile so I fixed it!

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m161/momoese/_DSC0573_zps0728923f.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m161/momoese/_DSC0579_zps1eb5a3de.jpg

[venturabananas]

You're so handsome with that smile. :ha:

I have banana envy. I'd like a change from Namwah!

[momoese]

162 fingers. These are abnormally large compared to past harvests. The fingers are easily twice as large. This is my first harvest of PK in this new location in my veggie garden. More nutrients, more humidity, less dry heat from the concrete driveway and stucco wall, but pretty much same amount of sunshine.

[crazy banana]

Harvested my first bunch of "real deal" Blue Java today. Only 64 fingers. Sampled one and the center was a little stringy, but the taste was not bad at all. Cannot wait for the remaining ones to fully ripen.

[PR-Giants]

Those look perfect!!! :08:

Did you bag'em ?

I harvested some store bought cavendish

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/musanamwah/004-43.jpg (http://s950.photobucket.com/user/musanamwah/media/004-43.jpg.html)

[sunfish]

Those look perfect!!! :08:

Did you bag'em ?

Yes , paper bag

[Kat2]

Yes , paper bagI use cloth ones when I remember to take them otherwise plastic because I hand them off to a charitable group that distributes bread. You bake bread in paper bags or should.

[Richard]

... You bake bread in paper bags or should.

No I don't! :)

[sunfish]

I use cloth ones when I remember to take them otherwise plastic because I hand them off to a charitable group that distributes bread. You bake bread in paper bags or should.

I use the plastic one's for walking the dog :nanadrink:

[Kat2]

No I don't! :)Oh, try. If I had my own kitchen, I would.

I use the plastic one's for walking the dog :nanadrink:I don't have a dog. It seems I do have a tree frog but he seems to do his business outside in small enough ways that I can't even find it. Perfect pet.

[sunfish]

Oh, try. If I had my own kitchen, I would.

I don't have a dog. It seems I do have a tree frog but he seems to do his business outside in small enough ways that I can't even find it. Perfect pet.

Do you walk the frog ?

[Richard]

Oh, try. If I had my own kitchen, I would.

I do bake bread many times per year, among other things. Sometimes I bake on parchment paper but never in a paper bag.

[Kat2]

Do you walk the frog ?No. Jack just hangs out and has been since I planted my DC. In late November I assumed he'd gone to hibernate but he was in my tarp ready to take a trip to Cocoa for Christmas; I shooed him off and he glared at me. Yesterday I was pulling apart pots and discovered him clinging to the Red Solo cup on top. After removing those I needed, I gently placed him, still perched on his base, back in the group. He winked at me but never moved. I never feed him or walk him but he always seems glad to see me. Or should that be revel in making my heart skip a beat at his unexpected smiling face?

Great pet.

[Kat2]

I do bake bread many times per year, among other things. Sometimes I bake on parchment paper but never in a paper bag.Panettone has been baked in paper for ages so this isn't a new idea. I think I may have done it before; I know I've done Boston brown bread in cans. At some point I'll be able to try a sourdough loaf in a sack and will post pictures.

[robguz24]

My 2nd bunch of Mysore, just under 5 months flower to harvest. The rats and geckos ate a few! This bunch is much bigger than my first 7 months ago, and the fruit are bigger, some being the size of DBs. Not selling any of these, too much of a treat and I'll have no problem eating them all!

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3563_zps401e424a.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3563_zps401e424a.jpg.html)

[I_GROWER]

Wild unknowns, they almost look like store brought bananas.

Can anyone help with an ID?

http://i.imgur.com/AeLFmb2.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WWzTsrk.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ruyk60J.jpg

[ez]

Wild unknowns, they almost look like store brought bananas.

Can anyone help with an ID?



What's the p-stem height and do you have any pictures of the plant? :08:

[2woodensticks]

sorry no pics..did harvest praying hands..1 bunch 4 hands..small but really flavorful..right at six months..could have gone little longer but I think cold weather we are having caused it to turn...tight hands,come apart easy great flavor

[I_GROWER]

What's the p-stem height and do you have any pictures of the plant? :08:

yes i do, i believe it was infected with some something.

plant was rotting while the fruit just hang there.
http://i.imgur.com/rcEiTms.jpg




here is a sibling of a more "healthier" plant with fruit - "grand nain" ?
http://i.imgur.com/y67Fxv3.jpg


and finally the fruit

http://i.imgur.com/cILZJzL.jpg

[JCA433]

I harvested a Namwa banana bunch today.


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55675&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55675&ppuser=7368)


A few of the bananas split. What causes the bananas to split? None of the bananas on the bunch before this one split and some ripened before harvesting.

[sunfish]

I harvested a Namwa banana bunch today.


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55675&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55675&ppuser=7368)


A few of the bananas split. What causes the bananas to split? None of the bananas on the bunch before this one split and some ripened before harvesting.

The bananas split because they saw the salad dressing.:ha:

[servatusprime]

My recent bunch of namwah split too. I think its from them continuing to plump up and filling in. Its not to be unexpected. If you harvested them a little earlier perhaps you could help avoid it. Someone more learned chime in please.

[ez]

I harvested a Namwa banana bunch today.


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55675&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55675&ppuser=7368)


A few of the bananas split. What causes the bananas to split? None of the bananas on the bunch before this one split and some ripened before harvesting.

My recent bunch of namwah split too. I think its from them continuing to plump up and filling in. Its not to be unexpected. If you harvested them a little earlier perhaps you could help avoid it. Someone more learned chime in please.


There can be many reasons why a banana peel will split and with my soil it's low calcium. I use gypsum (calcium + sulfur) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum) to raise my calcium without raising my pH, it's not a quick fix you have to apply it 3 to 6 months before the plant begins to fruit.

Before you add anything have your soil tested to make sure it's low calcium.


Calcium (Ca)

Function: Calcium is another secondary plant nutrients, absorbed by plant roots as Ca 2+. Calcium is a constituent of the middle lamella of cell walls as Ca-pectate. Calcium is required as a cofactor by some enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of ATP and phospholipids. It is an important element for root development and functioning; a constituent of cell walls; and is required for chromosome
flexibility and cell division.

Calcium deficiency is a widespread problem in banana crops and significantly reduces fruit quality.
Moisture stress is the major cause of calcium deficiency as it interrupts the root uptake of calcium
and leads to localized deficiencies in fruit. Boron is required for the maintenance of transpiration
(water uptake) and therefore also calcium uptake. Over-use of nitrogen fertilizers and excessive
plant vigour also compound calcium deficiencies. Calcium and boron are also essential for plant
strength and therefore deficient plants are more likely to suffer from fungal diseases and
environmental stresses. Calcium deficiencies are common in both acid and alkaline soils even when
exchangeable soil calcium levels are high. This is largely due to the low mobility of soil calcium and
competition with other nutrients such as ammonium nitrogen, potassium and magnesium.


Calcium deficiency caused by:

 Low transpiration – e.g. at high humidity
 Fruit has a low transpiration rate: a) Reduced Ca uptake in maturating fruits may result in Ca deficiency b) Maturity spots of banana (e.g. aggravated by plastic bags on bunch)
 Rapid leaf growth may cause a Ca shortage
 Cold winters in subtropics
 Imbalances with K and Mg a) high rates of K, Mg or NH 4 + will reduce Ca availability b) optimum Ca uptake at soil CaK+Ca+Mg) ratio of 0.7
Source: Lahav & Turner (1989 - IPI - Bulletin No 7), C.B.I Banadex (1998 – AIM database)


Deficiency Symptoms Typical symptoms indicating calcium deficiency in banana are: general dwarfing, reduced leaf length, reduced rate of leaf emission; leaves are undulated; tissue near midrib thickens, may turn reddish - brown. In sub - tropical growing areas, calcium deficiency , generally, appears in early summer after spring flush. It reveals as typical chlorosis and necrosis and “Spike - Leaf’ in severe cases.


Leaf:

 The symptoms are found on the youngest leaves causes the spike leaf in which the lamina in new leaves is deformed
 Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) disease is worse
 Interveinal chlorosis near leaf margins
 Creates ‘spike leaf’ appearance where lamina of new leaves is deformed or absent
 Symptoms appear in after a flush of growth
 OR where high levels of potassium are applied


Plant:

 It causes heart rot to newly planted tissue culture plantlets.


Fruit: :waving:

 Peel splits when fruit ripe
 Fruit curls – scratching others in bunch
 Fruit weight and diameter is reduced
 The fruit quality is inferior and the peel splits during the ripening.

[JCA433]

The first hand on this bunch appeared on September 25 which was more than 19 weeks ago. They appeared mostly filled in after about 15 weeks. I harvested my first Namwa bunch 18 weeks after the first hand appeared. Four months from September 25 is January 25 so I left them on the plant too long. Next time I will harvest a few weeks earlier IF they have filled in.

Our average high temperature since December 1 is near 78 F so the bananas are still growing but more slowly than in summer.

I tasted one of the split bananas and it was edible although the texture was a little chewy. I do not mind the chewy texture as long as the flavor is good and this split banana certainly had OK flavor and it was not even completely ripe yet.
They taste a lot better though when allowed to ripen more. My first Namwa bunch was great and the texture was not chewy.

[Richard]

Just let 'em hang for awhile - they'll probably ripen up just fine.

[Bender]

There can be many reasons why a banana peel will split and with my soil it's low calcium. I use gypsum (calcium + sulfur) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsum) to raise my calcium without raising my pH, it's not a quick fix you have to apply it 3 to 6 months before the plant begins to fruit.

Before you add anything have your soil tested to make sure it's low calcium.


Calcium (Ca)

Function: Calcium is another secondary plant nutrients, absorbed by plant roots as Ca 2+. Calcium is a constituent of the middle lamella of cell walls as Ca-pectate. Calcium is required as a cofactor by some enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of ATP and phospholipids. It is an important element for root development and functioning; a constituent of cell walls; and is required for chromosome
flexibility and cell division.

Calcium deficiency is a widespread problem in banana crops and significantly reduces fruit quality.
Moisture stress is the major cause of calcium deficiency as it interrupts the root uptake of calcium
and leads to localized deficiencies in fruit. Boron is required for the maintenance of transpiration
(water uptake) and therefore also calcium uptake. Over-use of nitrogen fertilizers and excessive
plant vigour also compound calcium deficiencies. Calcium and boron are also essential for plant
strength and therefore deficient plants are more likely to suffer from fungal diseases and
environmental stresses. Calcium deficiencies are common in both acid and alkaline soils even when
exchangeable soil calcium levels are high. This is largely due to the low mobility of soil calcium and
competition with other nutrients such as ammonium nitrogen, potassium and magnesium.


Calcium deficiency caused by:

 Low transpiration – e.g. at high humidity
 Fruit has a low transpiration rate: a) Reduced Ca uptake in maturating fruits may result in Ca deficiency b) Maturity spots of banana (e.g. aggravated by plastic bags on bunch)
 Rapid leaf growth may cause a Ca shortage
 Cold winters in subtropics
 Imbalances with K and Mg a) high rates of K, Mg or NH 4 + will reduce Ca availability b) optimum Ca uptake at soil CaK+Ca+Mg) ratio of 0.7
Source: Lahav & Turner (1989 - IPI - Bulletin No 7), C.B.I Banadex (1998 – AIM database)


Deficiency Symptoms Typical symptoms indicating calcium deficiency in banana are: general dwarfing, reduced leaf length, reduced rate of leaf emission; leaves are undulated; tissue near midrib thickens, may turn reddish - brown. In sub - tropical growing areas, calcium deficiency , generally, appears in early summer after spring flush. It reveals as typical chlorosis and necrosis and “Spike - Leaf’ in severe cases.


Leaf:

 The symptoms are found on the youngest leaves causes the spike leaf in which the lamina in new leaves is deformed
 Black Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) disease is worse
 Interveinal chlorosis near leaf margins
 Creates ‘spike leaf’ appearance where lamina of new leaves is deformed or absent
 Symptoms appear in after a flush of growth
 OR where high levels of potassium are applied


Plant:

 It causes heart rot to newly planted tissue culture plantlets.


Fruit: :waving:

 Peel splits when fruit ripe
 Fruit curls – scratching others in bunch
 Fruit weight and diameter is reduced
 The fruit quality is inferior and the peel splits during the ripening.



The way you/they describe the symptoms reminds me what I've seen with my bananas. Where did you get this info, could you please provide a link?

[Richard]

I wish to caution people in general to get a soil test before adding Calcium or a source of Calcium (e.g. gypsum) to a soil. For example, here in metropolitan areas of San Diego there is a lot of Calcium in the various soils. Too much Calcium can also be a problem.

On the other hand, having trace amounts of Calcium in a water-soluble fertilizer is generally a good thing. That's why I put it in the Fruit Fuel (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/gm-16-8-24-ff-5lb.html) fertilizer I designed. (warning: shameless advertising!)
:woohoonaner:

[ez]

The way you/they describe the symptoms reminds me what I've seen with my bananas. Where did you get this info, could you please provide a link?

Nutritional recommendations for BANANA - pdf file (http://www.haifa-group.com/files/guides/banana.pdf):waving:

[JCA433]

I ate so many Namwa bananas today that I feel bloated. Maybe I will take a break tomorrow. What do you guys do with all the excess bananas? I ate every banana on my first bunch but the fruit were smaller. My second bunch, recently harvested, has longer thicker fingers. I will take quite an effort to eat them all.

[Richard]

I ate so many Namwa bananas today that I feel bloated. Maybe I will take a break tomorrow. What do you guys do with all the excess bananas? I ate every banana on my first bunch but the fruit were smaller. My second bunch, recently harvested, has longer thicker fingers. I will take quite an effort to eat them all.

I cook, bake, and bribe people with them
:woohoonaner:

[robguz24]

Namwah in particular make excellent bananas for freezing ripe and making 1 ingredient "ice cream" in a blender or champion juicer.

[robguz24]

Oops, had this in the wrong thread. Belongs here!
2nd generation 1000 fingers. 2 other bigger racks on this mat currently. 9/8-2/14, a bit less than the 6 full months on my first harvest. This was not propped up and collapsed under its own weight last week and the top hand started ripening so it was time to come down. 26 months after it was a small TC. I've removed and sold a dozen or more pups from this mat too.

http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3654_zpsc6a64e24.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3654_zpsc6a64e24.jpg.html)

Compare this to the 1st pathetic bunch off the same mat. After this, I added monthly handfuls of 0-0-51 in addition to monthly 13-3-37 and the results speak for themselves.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/file_zps2b6d0680.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/file_zps2b6d0680.jpg.html)

[bananimal]

I ate so many Namwa bananas today that I feel bloated. Maybe I will take a break tomorrow. What do you guys do with all the excess bananas? I ate every banana on my first bunch but the fruit were smaller. My second bunch, recently harvested, has longer thicker fingers. I will take quite an effort to eat them all.

I donate excess bananas to the food bank in Ft Pierce. Also put them on the tasting table at my rare fruit club. And the pups go up for auction. I get 80%, the club gets the rest. Good deal.

[servatusprime]

I ate so many Namwa bananas today that I feel bloated. Maybe I will take a break tomorrow. What do you guys do with all the excess bananas? I ate every banana on my first bunch but the fruit were smaller. My second bunch, recently harvested, has longer thicker fingers. I will take quite an effort to eat them all.


The freezer can be a great way to store them for use in baking, cooking, or smoothies. There can be pro/cons for either leaving them out or still in their skin. Depends on how you are going to use them.

[Richard]

Namwah in particular make excellent bananas for freezing ripe and making 1 ingredient "ice cream" in a blender or champion juicer.

The Champion Juicer is an awesome machine! I never thought about putting bananas through mine though ... thanks for mentioning it!
:08:

[robguz24]

The Champion Juicer is an awesome machine! I never thought about putting bananas through mine though ... thanks for mentioning it!
:08:
Not on juice setting of course, but doesn't need anything. Comes out like soft serve. Can do it with any banana really but Namwahs work particularly well. We do it for all kinds of frozen fruit and it's like instant sorbet.

When using a blender, I had to add some milky product, usually soy or coconut, but just enough to get it to mix properly.

[Nicolas Naranja]

I freeze them peeled and use them in my daily morning smoothies. I can put up enough them during the summer, that I have them all year. I also make a very rich ice cream.

6 cups bananas
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups sugar
1 cup half and half

Blend, bring to a boil, and freeze it.

Later, you can mix it with some coconut milk and rum for an excellent frozen beverage.

[eddiemunozep]

I ate so many Namwa bananas today that I feel bloated. Maybe I will take a break tomorrow. What do you guys do with all the excess bananas? I ate every banana on my first bunch but the fruit were smaller. My second bunch, recently harvested, has longer thicker fingers. I will take quite an effort to eat them all.

So how they taste?

[robguz24]

2 dwarf Brazilians. Both about 6 months from flowering.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3657_zps373270d2.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3657_zps373270d2.jpg.html)

[Richard]

2 dwarf Brazilians. Both about 6 months from flowering.

Nice photo!

[JCA433]

So how they taste?





The flavor is excellent especially now that they have ripened more and the texture is good. The flavor is much more intense than the grocery store bananas.

[robguz24]

Big Dwarf Brazilians, the plant that gets the most water in my yard because it grows next to my regularly watered lawn. 50 lbs, 12 hands, 176 nanners.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3711_zpsb407ab27.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3711_zpsb407ab27.jpg.html)

[Kostas]

Harvested Musa "Orinoco"(?)(locally obtained and doesn't seem like Orinoco) last weekend :) This is the first bunch of this mat and its pseudostem broke from strong winds in the fall. The bunch was left to overwinter laying on a pathway stone,on the ground,and it filled considerably during the last months. I found and ate the first yellow from it,so I harvested the bunch and finally cleared the walkway! The bunch weighed 8,8kg,it's certainly not as filled up and big as it could be but think its quite satisfying for a bunch maturing over winter laying on the ground! :)
Here are some pictures of it!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t244/Kostas_G/Bananas/C40C5FCB-FFC2-4C91-B396-2272587BA5D0_zpsqj9npncx.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/Kostas_G/media/Bananas/C40C5FCB-FFC2-4C91-B396-2272587BA5D0_zpsqj9npncx.jpg.html)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t244/Kostas_G/Bananas/C23F74D8-9C13-433C-ACA7-AF8E5AE8BF7C_zpscz5now6u.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/Kostas_G/media/Bananas/C23F74D8-9C13-433C-ACA7-AF8E5AE8BF7C_zpscz5now6u.jpg.html)

:woohoonaner:

[Richard]

Looks like Orinocos I've harvested.

[venturabananas]

Another 50 pounds of "Ice Cream Namwah". Weather got warm and boom, split and yellowing bananas (on the other side of the bunch). Get out the wheelbarrow. Darn productive plant. I wish it didn't fruit so tall, 14-15'. Better texture than Dwarf Namwah, no "pithy cores".

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/markasteele/icecreamnamwahbunch_2014_03_09_zpsd15749c3.jpg (http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/markasteele/media/icecreamnamwahbunch_2014_03_09_zpsd15749c3.jpg.html)

[Kostas]

Thank you Richard! :)

A great bunch there Mark!!!

[ez]

Big Dwarf Brazilians, the plant that gets the most water in my yard because it grows next to my regularly watered lawn. 50 lbs, 12 hands, 176 nanners.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3711_zpsb407ab27.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3711_zpsb407ab27.jpg.html)

Rob very nice DB bunch. :08:




Harvested Musa "Orinoco"(?)(locally obtained and doesn't seem like Orinoco) last weekend :) This is the first bunch of this mat and its pseudostem broke from strong winds in the fall. The bunch was left to overwinter laying on a pathway stone,on the ground,and it filled considerably during the last months. I found and ate the first yellow from it,so I harvested the bunch and finally cleared the walkway! The bunch weighed 8,8kg,it's certainly not as filled up and big as it could be but think its quite satisfying for a bunch maturing over winter laying on the ground! :)
Here are some pictures of it!
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t244/Kostas_G/Bananas/C40C5FCB-FFC2-4C91-B396-2272587BA5D0_zpsqj9npncx.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/Kostas_G/media/Bananas/C40C5FCB-FFC2-4C91-B396-2272587BA5D0_zpsqj9npncx.jpg.html)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t244/Kostas_G/Bananas/C23F74D8-9C13-433C-ACA7-AF8E5AE8BF7C_zpscz5now6u.jpg (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/Kostas_G/media/Bananas/C23F74D8-9C13-433C-ACA7-AF8E5AE8BF7C_zpscz5now6u.jpg.html)

:woohoonaner:

Konstantinos that one of the biggest bunch of Orinoco I've ever seen. :bananas_b




Another 50 pounds of "Ice Cream Namwah". Weather got warm and boom, split and yellowing bananas (on the other side of the bunch). Get out the wheelbarrow. Darn productive plant. I wish it didn't fruit so tall, 14-15'. Better texture than Dwarf Namwah, no "pithy cores".

http://i1292.photobucket.com/albums/b572/markasteele/icecreamnamwahbunch_2014_03_09_zpsd15749c3.jpg (http://s1292.photobucket.com/user/markasteele/media/icecreamnamwahbunch_2014_03_09_zpsd15749c3.jpg.html)

That's a fat bunch Mark, thanks for the info on Dwarf Namwah and their "pithy cores" I have the same issue with Raja Puri 50 to 80% of the bunch will have a hard but edible core.
My Namwah grows to 10' - 14' the tallest banana plants I have, the fruit is always good. :waving:

[Kimcheewan1]

I bought the nanner plants four years ago and this year is the first harvest! I lost the tag with the name of the variety as I had kept them in a pot for a year before we moved. I think they are a type of Thai ... very sweet and about 3 - 4 inches in szie. A great little nanner! Banana Gallery - Bananas harvested today - March 2014 ! (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55755)

[venturabananas]

I think they are a type of Thai ... very sweet and about 3 - 4 inches in szie. A great little nanner! Banana Gallery - Bananas harvested today - March 2014 ! (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55755)

You are right, they are Namwah bananas, which are widely grown in Thailand.

[momoese]

PK

[bananimal]

My contact in Sri Lanka says the PK there is called Kolikuttu and gets the highest price at market. They really love it. He also said the name Pisang Klotek is a Malaysian name. I sent him several pics and he showed them to the market vendors. They all agreed.

[momoese]

More PK!

[momoese]

My contact in Sri Lanka says the PK there is called Kolikuttu and gets the highest price at market. They really love it. He also said the name Pisang Klotek is a Malaysian name. I sent him several pics and he showed them to the market vendors. They all agreed.

Thanks Dan, that's really cool!

[venturabananas]

My contact in Sri Lanka says the PK there is called Kolikuttu and gets the highest price at market. They really love it. He also said the name Pisang Klotek is a Malaysian name. I sent him several pics and he showed them to the market vendors. They all agreed.

From a brief internet search, I think someone here is wrong. Kolikuttu appears to be a Silk cultivar (think "Manzano"). The PK that Mitchel distributed is a Mysore cultivar. They do look pretty similar in photos, but less so much in person.

[crazy banana]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55786&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55786&limit=recent)

:woohoonaner:

19.5 pounds of Namwah (first bunch of this mat)
I had already harvested the first hand back in December before the first frost, but these taste even better today.

[Richard]

Oooooooooooooo la la la la!

Congratulations!

[eddiemunozep]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55786&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55786&limit=recent)

:woohoonaner:

19.5 pounds of Namwah (first bunch of this mat)
I had already harvested the first hand back in December before the first frost, but these taste even better today.

Maybe I can sneek away one day next week and go down and do a taste test!

[crazy banana]

Maybe I can sneek away one day next week and go down and do a taste test!

You are more than welcome to do so.

[crazy banana]

Oooooooooooooo la la la la!

Congratulations!

Thanks. Maybe I can pick up my Fruit Fuel in the next few days and I will bring you some to taste. Yummylicious, but I am biased :)

[kubali]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55794&size=1took them a long tome to ripen because they came out just before thanksgiving. But boy they are tasty.my first time eating raja puri and I really like them real sweet.

[Nicolas Naranja]

Goldfingers
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140402_211217_zpsf702f5fa.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140402_211217_zpsf702f5fa.jpg.html)

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140402_212233_zps3c91202f.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140402_212233_zps3c91202f.jpg.html)

[Richard]

Goldfingers

Some fine looking ones at that.
:08:

[venturabananas]

Goldfingers

Nick, how big are those fingers on average, the weight per finger?

[Nicolas Naranja]

Nick, how big are those fingers on average, the weight per finger?

On average, they are about 100g.

[venturabananas]

On average, they are about 100g.

Thanks Nick. For some reason I thought they were supposed to get bigger, more like Cavendish size, but the ones I've seen have been around that 100 g mark that you mention.

[Nicolas Naranja]

Thanks Nick. For some reason I thought they were supposed to get bigger, more like Cavendish size, but the ones I've seen have been around that 100 g mark that you mention.

The bunches tend to be very conical. The top 2-3 hands produce fingers in the 150g range.

[Nicolas Naranja]

A FHIA-17 with short fingers. Took five months from flower to harvest.

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140407_225256_zps11f35fd3.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140407_225256_zps11f35fd3.jpg.html)

[Richard]

Good lookin' bunch.

[bananimal]

Very clean looking. They were bagged, right?

[Nicolas Naranja]

Very clean looking. They were bagged, right?

Yes

[JCA433]

I harvested the second bunch on my first Namwa mat.



http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55812&size=1



First hand appeared 12/10/13 and harvest was today 4/10/14.


The hardest part is hanging the bunch. I have no helper so I have to hold the bunch up and at the same time tie it to a post.

[keikikid]

Green Red!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55817&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55817&ppuser=18053)

[JCA433]

What to do with banana stem and leaves after harvesting? Do you chip this material or let it dry out? I have a chipper but concerned the high moisture content in banana plant material may clog the chute and make a mess.

[servatusprime]

What to do with banana stem and leaves after harvesting? Do you chip this material or let it dry out? I have a chipper but concerned the high moisture content in banana plant material may clog the chute and make a mess.

Your banana mat will still draw energy from the mother p-stem that was harvested. If you leave it in place it will decrease the time till the next flowering. However I believe the industry practice is to chop down the p-stem to five feet or so. In my yard I just leave it. Depending on the variety, it will continue to look nice and be a feature in the garden for several months.

I can't speak for what will happen to your chipper because I don't have one. For me, I break down the plant material into individual sheathes and then run over it with my lawn more with the clippings bag attached. I know that's way redneck, but it makes great mulch that breaks down easy. So far no ill effects on the mower.

[robguz24]

This is supposed to be Ebun Musak, my first bunch off this plant. From Aloha Tropicals. This is supposed to be the type that is green when ripe. Plant looks like a DB, mostly yellow fruit tastes like an underripe DB--certainly not ripe when green. Bunch size and appearance like my DBs. Same height as DB and same 6 month flower to harvest. Hmmm, I wonder what it could really be? Another Aloha Tropicals FAIL. Well 1 out of 11 ain't bad! Will probably kill this one off since I already have more DB than anything else.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3946_zps7f209e0d.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3946_zps7f209e0d.jpg.html)

[servatusprime]

I wish I could post some pictures (computer issues) but I just harvested my first kandrian and pisang raja! Any experience on how ripe they should be before eating? Thanks.

[servatusprime]

Well, I harvested both and their are hanging up on the lanai as we speak. The Pisang Raja was only at 16 lb, but the Kandrian was at 50 lbs!! Both were the first harvest off of the mats and started as tissue culture. One of the Kandrian fingers was ripe, so I thought I would give it a try. I was amazed at the flavor. I has no idea it would taste like it did. To me it was a blend of granny smith apple, custard, banana with a hint of vanilla. I'll try to get pictures up later, but this is a wonderful fruit.

[servatusprime]

Pictures!! (the quality of photos could be better, but I'm having some computer issues)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55845&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55845&ppuser=9375)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55843&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55843&ppuser=9375)

Just installed some hanging hooks in the lanai.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55844&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55844&ppuser=9375)

Kandrian close up (cutting down that one was interesting) I tied to use a method I saw on youtube with a rope over the peduncle. Yeaaaahhhh..... that didn't work.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55842&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55842&ppuser=9375)

Pisang Raja close up. Kind of lame in terms of size. But this variety does not appear to be very robust in my yard.

[Richard]

.. I was amazed at the flavor. I has no idea it would taste like it did. To me it was a blend of granny smith apple, custard, banana with a hint of vanilla. I'll try to get pictures up later, but this is a wonderful fruit.

Thanks for the pictures!

Your profile says you're growing:
Goldfinger
SH 3640
Brazilian (general consensus)
Pisang Raja
Double Mahoi
Creamwah! (Namwah)
Kandarian
Gros Michel
Zebrina
"X" (Grand Nain) x Sumatrana)
FHIA-3
Pisang Ceylon

Of those you grew and tasted, how would you rate the taste (best to worst) ??

[Nicolas Naranja]

To me it was a blend of granny smith apple, custard, banana with a hint of vanilla. I'll try to get pictures up later, but this is a wonderful fruit.

I'm glad you like it. I was not a fan. It was high yielding, I didn't like the fruit that much though as it tasted like orinoco to me. I also never could figure out how to harvest it without breaking fruit. That being said, I sold about 100 boxes over two years.

[servatusprime]

Thanks for the pictures!

Your profile says you're growing:
Goldfinger
SH 3640
Brazilian (general consensus)
Pisang Raja
Double Mahoi
Creamwah! (Namwah)
Kandrian
Gros Michel
Zebrina
"X" (Grand Nain) x Sumatrana)
FHIA-3
Pisang Ceylon

Of those you grew and tasted, how would you rate the taste (best to worst) ??

Hi Richard,

Well I wish I could say that I've had them all. But I started less then two years ago. I should get some before and after photos of my yard. The difference is pretty stark.

So far I've only harvested namwah, brazilian, kandarian, and pisang raja. I'm not a hundred percent sure which one I like the most yet. It might be either kandrian or the pisang raja. I tried the pisang raja today and it was another surprise in terms of flavor. It had a little hint of green in the stem so it might need to ripen a little more. But it tasted very bright and fruity with a strong presence of cherry and orange citrus. Not much of a classic banana flavor. It was also every so slightly dry with a firmer texture than a standard cavendish.

In regards to the other varieties, I should have fruit off of the SH 3640, double mahoi, and gold finger, and namwah within the next few months. I also suspect I'll have another brazilian flower very soon. The gros michel should flower soon, but boy is is ever slow. The other varieties won't be ready to fruit anytime real soon. (sweetheart and pisang ceylon are brand new TC)

[servatusprime]

I'm glad you like it. I was not a fan. It was high yielding, I didn't like the fruit that much though as it tasted like orinoco to me. I also never could figure out how to harvest it without breaking fruit. That being said, I sold about 100 boxes over two years.

I could see some similarities between the varieties. The kandarian seems to explode with flavor compared to the orinocos I've had before. I haven't had an orinoco in while, I just don't recall the flavor being as complex or having as pleasant of a texture. I remember orinoco being nice enough, with a light strawberry-banana flavor. I will admit that the person growing them didn't give them the best of care, so I might not be making a fair comparison.

I totally agree with the harvesting. It wasn't easy and three fingers snapped off. But I didn't manage to keep the p-stem standing up and looking nice. (wife likes to leave them up for aesthetic reasons) I think next time I'll have to notch the p-stem and lower it down gently.

I know that this is a really tall variety, but its robust, very cold hardy, and attractive. It would only be better if it was was a dwarf. I would recommend it to anyone who has the space and doesn't mind working with the heights. Its a keeper for me! :woohoonaner:

[robguz24]

My biggest Double Mahoi bunch (30lbs, single bunch), and a so-so sized DB bunch.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3949_zps1daa4ba8.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3949_zps1daa4ba8.jpg.html)

[Nicolas Naranja]

These were mine
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/HPIM1029.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/HPIM1029.jpg.html)


I know that this is a really tall variety, but its robust, very cold hardy, and attractive. It would only be better if it was was a dwarf. I would recommend it to anyone who has the space and doesn't mind working with the heights. Its a keeper for me! :woohoonaner:

[Richard]

These were mine ...
Yikes!!

[servatusprime]

These were mine
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/HPIM1029.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/HPIM1029.jpg.html)

Looks great Nick. Mine aren't that tall yet. (everything seems short in my yard) I could see why you might not to grow these in abundance. Harvesting many mats single handed would be a bit labor intensive. (as I recall you don't have too many people working under you)

When you did grow and sell them, how were they received in comparison to your other varieties? In addition to the harvesting and flavor profile, did market demand influence your decision to stop growing them?

[Nicolas Naranja]

Planted in 09, sold 2011-2012.
They almost all got sold wholesale as Orinoco
The market for Orinoco is not that great. The price paid tended to be in the $7-$10/box range. They were not popular at the farmer's market the few times I brought them. I can retail the fruit from a 45# stalk of goldfinger or Namwahs for $30 at the farmers market. I could wholesale them in the low $20s.

Looks great Nick. Mine aren't that tall yet. (everything seems short in my yard) I could see why you might not to grow these in abundance. Harvesting many mats single handed would be a bit labor intensive. (as I recall you don't have too many people working under you)

When you did grow and sell them, how were they received in comparison to your other varieties? In addition to the harvesting and flavor profile, did market demand influence your decision to stop growing them?

[JCA433]

The Namwa bananas harvested are getting better. The first few fruit harvested were kind of crunchy in the center. However, now that they have ripened further, the texture is much softer. Namwa bananas are one of my favorites: they have good cold tolerance and are very productive with excellent flavor. This is a banana cultivar I can recommend.

[robguz24]

2 bunches of Gros Michel. Both stalks snapped within a day of each other, but they are at 4 months so should be wonderful. Was planning to harvest them this weekend anyway. Bunch on the right had a week's less growth and aren't as filled out.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3951_zps9b0ec818.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3951_zps9b0ec818.jpg.html)

[servatusprime]

Did they snap from wind?

[robguz24]

Did they snap from wind?
Weight of the bunch. They weren't propped up though. Both snapped about 2 feet from the top of the p-stem.

[servatusprime]

Weight of the bunch. They weren't propped up though. Both snapped about 2 feet from the top of the p-stem.

Well I guess you could say that's a "natural way" of determining when to harvest them. Let the plant decide for you! I'll have to keep that in mind with my GM. It should be flowering soon.

[Richard]

Well I guess you could say that's a "natural way" of determining when to harvest them. Let the plant decide for you! I'll have to keep that in mind with my GM. It should be flowering soon.

But we are not growing them under "natural" conditions!

[servatusprime]

But we are not growing them under "natural" conditions!

Well you got me there, but I meant it tongue-in-cheek ;)

[Nicolas Naranja]

I had a stalk snap in the same spot last week. Now I have a very under filled bunch. It was my first GM bunch.

2 bunches of Gros Michel. Both stalks snapped within a day of each other, but they are at 4 months so should be wonderful. Was planning to harvest them this weekend anyway. Bunch on the right had a week's less growth and aren't as filled out.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3951_zps9b0ec818.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3951_zps9b0ec818.jpg.html)

[servatusprime]

I had a stalk snap in the same spot last week. Now I have a very under filled bunch. It was my first GM bunch.

Is this known to be a common problem?

[robguz24]

Is this known to be a common problem?
It hasn't happened to me before, but these two bunches were larger than previous ones.

[JCA433]

I think I understand what others here mentioned here with reference to the pithy core in namwa bananas. I have experienced this for the first time but only on 10 to 20 percent of the bananas picked so far. This bunch began in December and ripened in April. The last two bunches had no bananas with a hard core so it must be related to growing conditions. Maybe some of them dry out in cooler weather during winter? It could also be a nutrient issue because I did not fertilize as much this winter. I have another Namwa bunch that will ripen in about a month so it will be interesting to see if it has any bananas with harder core. Namwa is still my favorite banana though and not bothered by the harder core on a few of the bananas. This issue has only appeared on the most recent bunch and only on a small percentage. Most of them are normal.

[robguz24]

A lot of harvesting going on this month in my little yard. I think this is my 6th this month with 4 more bunches to harvest by the end of April. This is the biggest Ice Cream bunch I've ever had. Felt bigger than the 25 lbs it weighed. 8 hands. My solution after finally getting a decent sized bunch of these? I killed it and ripped all traces of it out of the ground. Was blocking my ocean view, had to be propped up in 3 directions, and they're my least favorite type I grow, now down to 2 mats. Just keeping those because I can sell keikis and they're actually good frozen.
5 months flower to harvest. Probably could have stayed on the plant another couple weeks.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3996_zps0bd8a917.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_3996_zps0bd8a917.jpg.html)

[robguz24]

Another day, another 80lbs of DB. 50 on the left, 30 on the right.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4004_zps74e77268.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4004_zps74e77268.jpg.html)

[Nicolas Naranja]

FHIA-17

Grade it
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140429_173902_zps6056f2b3.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140429_173902_zps6056f2b3.jpg.html)

Cut 1
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140429_175300_zps10a33fd9.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140429_175300_zps10a33fd9.jpg.html)

Cut 2
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140429_175307_zpscd31b85c.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140429_175307_zpscd31b85c.jpg.html)

40 lbs of fruit
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140429_175358_zpsd6c39d2a.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140429_175358_zpsd6c39d2a.jpg.html)

[JCA433]

When harvesting your bananas how deep do you cut the stem before pulling the bunch down ? I cut stem about 3/4 deep and try to pull it down slowly but it crashes instead.

[Nicolas Naranja]

When harvesting your bananas how deep do you cut the stem before pulling the bunch down ? I cut stem about 3/4 deep and try to pull it down slowly but it crashes instead.


I cut a V into the stem. It doesn't always work, but it works most of the time. So if you are facing the bunch cut one notch on the right side and another notch on the left.

[robguz24]

My month of bounty continues. This is the most I've had in a month. Today was another 30 lb DB, my biggest rack of 1000 Fingers yet, also 30lbs, and both a Tall and Dwarf Namwah, both only 20lbs. My last Tall Namwah bunch was 65 lbs.

The 1000 Fingers was good sized, but not even close to fruiting endlessly.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4009_zpsb1dea7f6.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4009_zpsb1dea7f6.jpg.html)

Virtually all of these will be big enough to be worth eating.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4011_zps52477a87.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4011_zps52477a87.jpg.html)

Tall Namwah on the left, Dwarf on the right. The Dwarf began flowering 10 days earlier than the Tall, but still doesn't have yellow fruit. Had to harvest now before I leave for vacation. I also wanted to try both and see if I can taste any difference. The fruit on both of these is far less filled out than on previous bunches. Maybe because these fruited during winter?
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4013_zps7dc67787.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4013_zps7dc67787.jpg.html)

[keikikid]

I cut a V into the stem. It doesn't always work, but it works most of the time. So if you are facing the bunch cut one notch on the right side and another notch on the left.

Awesome! Do you try to connect the high end of the cuts on the side opposite the bunch?

Short Kid with Tall Bananas

[bananimal]

Awesome! Do you try to connect the high end of the cuts on the side opposite the bunch?

Short Kid with Tall Bananas

No. The extra tissue in the back of the cut area acts like a hinge keeping the pstem from separating. And getting konked in the head by the naner bunch. lol

The bigger the bunch the shallower the cuts. Works for me.

[bananimal]

Small bunch off the mat of whatever USDA substituted for Datil la Lima. Nevertheless it's a good banana. Will now replace this mat with a Williams.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55927&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55927&ppuser=820)

[ez]

Small bunch off the mat of whatever USDA substituted for Datil la Lima. Nevertheless it's a good banana. Will now replace this mat with a Williams.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=55927&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=55927&ppuser=820)

Raja Puri

[JCA433]

I harvested another Namwa bunch. This one had very thick fingers and started splitting and ripening on the stem. I delayed harvesting this one because a Goldfinger bunch was harvested earlier this month and did not have room for more bananas. If you delay harvest you risk bananas ripening on the stem and splitting. It is a pain when two bunches ripen at almost the same time!


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56121&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56121&ppuser=7368)

When harvesting this bunch the stem crashed and crushed two bananas on the bottom! Harvesting bananas without a helper is very difficult.

[Richard]

... Harvesting bananas without a helper is very difficult.

It definitely takes practice. Plantation workers use the "slash and catch" method -- a cut is made in the pstem to weaken it and the bunch is lowered with partial support from the broken stem. The videos of the workers who do it dozens of times a day make it look pretty easy. A full bunch of green bananas can weigh upwards of 200 lbs so a small error in a pstem cut can make for a big crash!

An alternate method for the novice homeowner is to erect a tripod or orchard ladder next to the bunch. Then attach a pulley (or loop of rope) at the top. Run rope through the pulley/loop and attach it to the bunch. After the bunch is cut lower it to the ground.

[kubali]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56184&size=1 raja puri been waiting on these.

[servatusprime]

Need some advice. I know I am close to harvest on my double mahoi and my goldfinger. But I have to do some traveling starting on the 23 but don't want to miss harvesting my bananas. The DM is showing a yellow "blush" on the top hand. And both sets of fruit look pretty filled in to me. I have posted some pictures below of to show where the fruit. In the past I have waited until at least on finger to be totally yellow.

Doulbe Mahoi
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01021960x1280_zpsd50c49fa.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01021960x1280_zpsd50c49fa.jpg.html)
Double Mahoi pretending to be a travelers palm!
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01023960x1280_zps4fd51e8c.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01023960x1280_zps4fd51e8c.jpg.html)

Goldfinger
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC010291280x960_zps109373be.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC010291280x960_zps109373be.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01019960x1280_zps71b10e4e.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01019960x1280_zps71b10e4e.jpg.html)
I can't believe how much bigger the leaves are on the second generation.
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01020960x1280_zps9f8a4b67.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01020960x1280_zps9f8a4b67.jpg.html)


Thanks

[kubali]

Need some advice. I know I am close to harvest on my double mahoi and my goldfinger. But I have to do some traveling starting on the 23 but don't want to miss harvesting my bananas. The DM is showing a yellow "blush" on the top hand. And both sets of fruit look pretty filled in to me. I have posted some pictures below of to show where the fruit. In the past I have waited until at least on finger to be totally yellow.

Doulbe Mahoi
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01021960x1280_zpsd50c49fa.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01021960x1280_zpsd50c49fa.jpg.html)
Double Mahoi pretending to be a travelers palm!
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01023960x1280_zps4fd51e8c.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01023960x1280_zps4fd51e8c.jpg.html)

Goldfinger
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC010291280x960_zps109373be.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC010291280x960_zps109373be.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01019960x1280_zps71b10e4e.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01019960x1280_zps71b10e4e.jpg.html)
I can't believe how much bigger the leaves are on the second generation.
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC01020960x1280_zps9f8a4b67.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC01020960x1280_zps9f8a4b67.jpg.html)


Thanks

they are ready for sure you cut them down now and you probally will have ate them all by time you leave on the 23rd....I might add really nice looking bunches enjoy......................kub

[servatusprime]

Just for fun, here is where I am at on my SH 3640 bunch. It flowered almost the exact same time as the Goldfinger.


http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC010301280x960_zps0f2ec47a.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC010301280x960_zps0f2ec47a.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/DSC010311280x960_zps82116cdc.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/DSC010311280x960_zps82116cdc.jpg.html)

[servatusprime]

Is there a consensus on the harvesting for the goldfinger and double mahoi? Thanks.

[bananimal]

Is there a consensus on the harvesting for the goldfinger and double mahoi? Thanks.

I wait till a little yellow shows up on the oldest hands. That way you are sure the fruit has filled in fully. This year the 3640 popped a flower before the GF. Good rule of thumb for all varieties.

[servatusprime]

Thanks everyone. Keith you are right. I should have have said ratoon instead of second generation.

Since the goldfinger and double mahoi are close I think I'm just gonna go for it and harvest them. I'm concerned that they will ripen before I get back in town. And I don't want to be the one who misses out.

[servatusprime]

Goldfinger 40lb! I'm pretty happy with that. It might have filled in a bit more but not much. It's been progressively getting less green and just starting to blush yellow.

Double mahoi 21 lb

Both originally from tissue culture.

[JCA433]

After harvesting do you cut the stem off at ground level?

[kubali]

After harvesting do you cut the stem off at ground level?

you might as well, unless you want to keep it for the leafs.

[servatusprime]

Goldfinger 40lb! I'm pretty happy with that. It might have filled in a bit more but not much. It's been progressively getting less green and just starting to blush yellow.

Double mahoi 21 lb

Both originally from tissue culture.

They are getting more yellow but not ripe. Starting to wonder if I made a mistake. Perhaps these could have stayed until I got back. Everyone else will probably get to enjoy them though. Live and learn.

[servatusprime]

Ok Ok I guess i cried wolf.... the goldfingers became yellow!!! I love these. Everyone should grow these if they have the opportunity. I'll have to do a taste report soon.

Still waiting on the double mahoi. No sure why they are taking longer. Maybe its a variety thing, or because I hung them upside down.

[bananimal]

Ok Ok I guess i cried wolf.... the goldfingers became yellow!!! I love these. Everyone should grow these if they have the opportunity. I'll have to do a taste report soon.

Still waiting on the double mahoi. No sure why they are taking longer. Maybe its a variety thing, or because I hung them upside down.

What about the SH3640 - fruit yet?

[servatusprime]

Harvested a bunch of Williams, Manzanos, Morados, Maricongos, Rhino Horn, and a Mysore.

Good time to make some tostones. :waving:



That's whooooooole lot of bananas!!! Simply awesome.

[servatusprime]

What about the SH3640 - fruit yet?

Nope......I think it needs some more filling. They still look a little skinny. Not sure why they are taking awhile to plump up.

[bananimal]

If all the leaves on the bunch pstem are toast I cut it at shoulder height.

[bananimal]

Forgot and left this bunch hanging on the fence to dry after cleaning. Overnight the critters did some damage. Still 5 hands worth of fingers ok to eat. As usual the Pisang Klotek taste rich and complex. Several hands failed to fill in.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56292&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56292&ppuser=820)

[robguz24]

My first ever Tall Red. This has taken 6 years as previous pseudo stems failed to fruit due to weevil damage. Puny bunch of slight more than 3 hands. Was surprised how fast it was flower to harvest, just a week under 4 months. They aren't my favorite, but I always like ones I grow myself more than ones I buy.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4355_zps39f58adc.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4355_zps39f58adc.jpg.html)

[servatusprime]

My first ever Tall Red. This has taken 6 years as previous pseudo stems failed to fruit due to weevil damage. Puny bunch of slight more than 3 hands. Was surprised how fast it was flower to harvest, just a week under 4 months. They aren't my favorite, but I always like ones I grow myself more than ones I buy.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4355_zps39f58adc.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4355_zps39f58adc.jpg.html)

Isn't this variety also known as morado? I thought that it was supposed to be one of the better tasting varieties. Interesting. I presume we will get a taste testing report :) thanks.

[robguz24]

Many people love them, and whenever I have plants of them, they sell immediately. I generally prefer bananas with some tanginess and a more firm texture. I do like them, they just aren't in my top 5 or so. Probably won't do a report on these. At least when I lived on the mainland, red bananas weren't too hard to find, especially in more specialty grocery stores, so I'd think most members would be able to taste them for themselves!

[robguz24]

Yeah, they definitely aren't as full as I expected, or as full as the local ones I can buy here, so that was another reason not to do a taste report on them. I did eat one that was ready, and I enjoyed it.

[from the sea]

eat a lot of them one of my favorite

[servatusprime]

Many people love them, and whenever I have plants of them, they sell immediately. I generally prefer bananas with some tanginess and a more firm texture. I do like them, they just aren't in my top 5 or so. Probably won't do a report on these. At least when I lived on the mainland, red bananas weren't too hard to find, especially in more specialty grocery stores, so I'd think most members would be able to taste them for themselves!

It's been awhile since I bought them at the grocery store. Maybe it's time I try them again. I just don't remember them being amazing and hoped that the morado might be different than than the "red" banana at the grocery store. Thanks though for sharing.

[Richard]

It's been awhile since I bought them at the grocery store. Maybe it's time I try them again. I just don't remember them being amazing and hoped that the morado might be different than than the "red" banana at the grocery store. Thanks though for sharing.

When we have red bananas at the store its because of paint overspray.

[servatusprime]

Don't waste your time it's just another grocery store banana,

you're sophisticated & Now you know better. :ha::ha::ha:

grocery store bananas are for the common folk that don't know better. :waving:

Yep!! You caught me. :ha: Maybe I should put this one on my list of varities to try. I would like to replace either my pisang raja or my double mahoi. I haven't been impressed with either one of those. The double mahoi was down right terrible. I would rate it at a 3 if I actually wasted my time to review it.

[Nicolas Naranja]

Hua Moa, Goldfinger, Rhino Horn, some calabaza and some pineapple

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140627_185740_zps751d3999.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140627_185740_zps751d3999.jpg.html)

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140627_185724_zps5cc9e173.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140627_185724_zps5cc9e173.jpg.html)

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140627_185707_zps65f271af.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140627_185707_zps65f271af.jpg.html)

[GreenFin]

I grew impatient with waiting for my oldest Dwarf Orinoco bunch to ripen on the tree, so I went ahead and cut off a finger and ripened it in the house. It was probably still a bit underripe when I ate it, but it tasted like a banana and was good. (so good I ate most of it before remembering to take pics)

Now I just need to figure out the best way to peel the darn things. They've got some tough, thick peels compared to Cavendishes.

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[venturabananas]

Now I just need to figure out the best way to peel the darn things. They've got some tough, thick peels compared to Cavendishes.

Looks like it needed to fill a bit more to be fully mature, which in my experience makes some varieties easier to peel.

[Richard]

I grew impatient with waiting for my oldest Dwarf Orinoco bunch to ripen on the tree ...

When the bunch is "mostly ripe" I cut it off the plant and hang it in the garage. Ripens up just fine there and is away from most pests.

[servatusprime]

You might want to replace your pisang raja or double with the FHIA-21 Dessert Plantain,

it doesn't taste anything like those nasty grocery store bananas. :woohoonaner:

Thanks for the suggestion. Those two need to be booted out of my garden. I've been trying to find some descriptions of fhia-21 ripe out of hand. (I'm not as interested in cooking them green). I haven't found much other than "good" which in my opinion isn't helpful when trying to pick out a new variety. It sounds like you may have had it before. Would you mind describing it to me? If it's something unique and tastes great them I would be very happy to try it out in my yard. It seems like it would grow in my zone based on the forum's cold hardy list. I'll have to find a reliable source that can shop a pup my way. Thanks.

[servatusprime]

Well I got back from being out of town and I have good news and horrible news.....

Harvested 34 lbs of Creamwah and 30 lbs of SH-3640!! The namwah fingers are larger than my previous bunch and whats better, I should have about the same size bunch from the same mat in a week or two!! (I did this on purpose as an experiment and to help avoid bunches that were too big for us to eat while ripe) I think the fingers on the ripening bunch are slightly larger too.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo1_zps86375423.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo1_zps86375423.jpg.html)

My wife's favorite banana (creamwah) with one of her favorite drinks for scale.
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo2_zps62465d24.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo2_zps62465d24.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo3_zps583ad40d.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo3_zps583ad40d.jpg.html)

You might have noticed that there was some significant bruising on the namwah. Apparently we had some really high winds that were blasting my bananas according to my neighbor.

Now for the bad news......

GROS MICHEL DOWN!!!!!!!

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo4_zps83f29288.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo4_zps83f29288.jpg.html)

I was really bummed by this one! (the photo makes it look better than reality) I have been looking forward to this one fruiting for some time now!! Oh well. I didn't prop the bunch before leaving because it looked great. But I will say that the p-stem was relatively skinny compared to my other varieties. I'll just have to wait for the next flower

[Richard]

To cite an old adage: "two out of three isn't bad!"

[robguz24]

Well I got back from being out of town and I have good news and horrible news.....

Harvested 34 lbs of Creamwah and 30 lbs of SH-3640!! The namwah fingers are larger than my previous bunch and whats better, I should have about the same size bunch from the same mat in a week or two!! (I did this on purpose as an experiment and to help avoid bunches that were too big for us to eat while ripe) I think the fingers on the ripening bunch are slightly larger too.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo1_zps86375423.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo1_zps86375423.jpg.html)

My wife's favorite banana (creamwah) with one of her favorite drinks for scale.
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo2_zps62465d24.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo2_zps62465d24.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo3_zps583ad40d.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo3_zps583ad40d.jpg.html)

You might have noticed that there was some significant bruising on the namwah. Apparently we had some really high winds that were blasting my bananas according to my neighbor.

Now for the bad news......

GROS MICHEL DOWN!!!!!!!

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/photo4_zps83f29288.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/photo4_zps83f29288.jpg.html)

I was really bummed by this one! (the photo makes it look better than reality) I have been looking forward to this one fruiting for some time now!! Oh well. I didn't prop the bunch before leaving because it looked great. But I will say that the p-stem was relatively skinny compared to my other varieties. I'll just have to wait for the next flower

How long since the Gros Michel flowered? They look decent sized. Perhaps they may still ripen?

[servatusprime]

How long since the Gros Michel flowered? They look decent sized. Perhaps they may still ripen?

It bloomed two months ago, so it hasn't been filling in for very long. Most if the fingers were very bruised. I decided to compost it rather than try to eat it. I don't think eating it would do it justice. The ratoon p-stems are looking so much better anyway, I am hoping that they will flower within the next couple of months so I dint have to worry about winter.

[servatusprime]

How many days was it on the ground?

Approximate fruit length?

Fingers were about 6", not exactly sure on the length of time on the ground. I think it was about a week. Long enough anyway for the leaves to turn brown and die.

[kubali]

more bananas this year I got 12 bunches so far.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56355&size=1

[venturabananas]

Is this one Manzano?

more bananas this year I got 12 bunches so far.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56355&size=1

[kubali]

Yes it is. good eye.

[crazy banana]

more bananas this year I got 12 bunches so far.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56355&size=1

Those look great. Congratulations. And wow, you have already harvested 12 bunches this year so far? Still waiting for my 3rd bunch....

[kubali]

no crazy this is my second bunch and I got 10 more bunches on the plants in my yard.

[Richard]

no crazy this is my second bunch and I got 10 more bunches on the plants in my yard.

Meanwhile, I'm hoping for 4 bunches next year ... :bunchonanas:

[kubali]

Nice bunch kub, congrats

Can you post a photo of a sliced ripe fruit?

I tried but I really need a better camera
you could not see no detail only white from the flash sorry
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56357&size=1
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56358&size=1

[kubali]

The ripe flesh of a manzano is very white.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56360 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56360&limit=recent)



it is indeed very white just like I said this camera is a hp 318 which is dam near as old as I am...the flesh looks like it has been bleached but the pics do not show it.i have had this plant for 8 years. just poor quality pictures taken from a fossil camera.

[Richard]

it is indeed very white just like I said this camera is a hp 318 which is dam near as old as I am...

Give yourself some credit. That camera is less than half your age!
:0519:

[crazy banana]

Meanwhile, I'm hoping for 4 bunches next year ... :bunchonanas:

Counting your eggs before they hatch?
Just kidding. With your set-up and the awesome Fruit Fuel that is a reasonable hope.

[GreenFin]

Harvested my first bunch of Dwarf Orinoco a few days ago, last pic is from yesterday. Today they were ripe...and good! Richard has said they have a hint of strawberry to them, and I agree.

Bunch weight: 0.00325 tons
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[robguz24]

My first Rose bunch. Next tallest P-stem is almost 3' taller than this one was and hasn't flowered yet. 9 hands, but very small fruit, didn't bother weighing it, under 10 lbs for sure. Maybe they didn't fill in properly. 4.5 months flower to harvest. Couldn't resist trying one that was close to ripe right off the bunch. Decent tasting, firm, a bit vegetal, some similarity to a sucrier without the overly sweet taste. Will do a taste report this week.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4365_zpsd593c7e4.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4365_zpsd593c7e4.jpg.html)

[Nicolas Naranja]

So I had some bumper stickers made…
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140707_182844_zpsdc51282b.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140707_182844_zpsdc51282b.jpg.html)

And harvested Veinte cohol and Baloy
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/IMG_20140708_194747_zpsff0ea671.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/IMG_20140708_194747_zpsff0ea671.jpg.html)

[robguz24]

Another Namwah. This was the first fruit from an Aloha Tropicals "Goldfinger". 2 years to flower. 5 months, 1 week to ripe fruit. Densely planted in partial shade explains the delay in fruiting. 9 hands.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4366_zpsc4363773.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4366_zpsc4363773.jpg.html)

[bananimal]

So I had some bumper stickers made…
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140707_182844_zpsdc51282b.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140707_182844_zpsdc51282b.jpg.html)

And harvested Veinte cohol and Baloy
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/IMG_20140708_194747_zpsff0ea671.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/IMG_20140708_194747_zpsff0ea671.jpg.html)

Glad to see that Baloy produced bigger fingers. Let us know how they taste.

[Nicolas Naranja]

Glad to see that Baloy produced bigger fingers. Let us know how they taste.

Taste like a homegrown Cavendish, the Veinte Cohol on the other hand...a whole lot of tangy flavor.

[bananimal]

Taste like a homegrown Cavendish, the Veinte Cohol on the other hand...a whole lot of tangy flavor.

That's great. I'd like to come over and get some fruit and a pup.

My VC first bunch were quite tangy. Wife spit them out. Me and the dogs loved them. We eat anything! WOOF!

BTW --- Ericksons are in full swing right? Website said they have Pickering this year. Terrific!

[Nicolas Naranja]

That's great. I'd like to come over and get some fruit and a pup.

My VC first bunch were quite tangy. Wife spit them out. Me and the dogs loved them. We eat anything! WOOF!

BTW --- Ericksons are in full swing right? Website said they have Pickering this year. Terrific!

Yep, I have been eating mangos daily for about 2 weeks now. They are having their sample Sunday on July 20th. I've had Tommy Atkins, Van Dyke, Dupuis, and Duncan so far.

[robguz24]

First harvest of Mai'a 'Upehupehu, which might possibly be Iholena Lele. Difficult to tell because this was a bizarre bunch which started developing inside the trunk and had to be c-sectioned out (no it is not a Hapai). So the bunch was especially puny. The fruit are more squat like 'Upehupehu should be, but I won't know for sure until the next proper bunch. 13 months to flower, 2 months for ripe fruit. Iholenas are known for being one of the fastest flower to harvest.
http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b508/robguz24/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4367_zpsff14da5d.jpg (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/robguz24/media/Robs%20bananas/IMG_4367_zpsff14da5d.jpg.html)

[crazy banana]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56400&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56400&ppuser=13376)

Harvested the "real deal" Blue Java - Ice Cream today:

137 (edible) fingers

The ones we ate so far were delicious beyond expectations of anything we had harvested before from this particular mat. Banana heaven for a while...:woohoonaner:

[ladyflyfsh]

Is it wise to just harvest the entire bunch when only a few are ripe? I am trying to decide what to do. I just noticed this morning a few getting ripe on my Dwarf Namwah bunch and I'm wondering if I should just harvest the hands individually or cut the bunch off the P-stem. What are your opinions please? I live in Sarasota, FL and it is in the low 90's every day this time of year.

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g175/ladyflyfsh/D71_4848_zpsc2c5838c.jpg

[servatusprime]

Those do look a little skinny. I would harvest the hands or even fingers individually if you can manage it.

[ladyflyfsh]

Those do look a little skinny. I would harvest the hands or even fingers individually if you can manage it.

I think it's the shadows on them. They are nice and plump.

[servatusprime]

I think it's the shadows on them. They are nice and plump.

Thanks for the clarification. Well if they are plump then you are free to harvest! Depending on how many you can eat you might still think about harvesting by the hand. Too often I've stuffed myself trying to eat 8 bananas a day to eat them all while ripe. If you are harvesting a whole bunch, don't go it alone!! (unless you are secretively the Incredible Hulk)

[crazy banana]

My experience with Namwah is that the skins of the fruits start to split if harvested too late. If I see some color change to yellow, I harvest the entire bunch and let it continue to ripen in the garage.

[Richard]

My experience with Namwah is that the skins of the fruits start to split if harvested too late. If I see some color change to yellow, I harvest the entire bunch and let it continue to ripen in the garage.

Ditto.

[ladyflyfsh]

Ditto.

OK...done! Thanks everyone!

[JCA433]

For my climate, Namwa should be harvested about 4 months after the first hand appears. If you wait much longer than 4 months the skin will split.


After the bunch ripens I eat about 15 to 20 bananas a day.

[venturabananas]

Is it wise to just harvest the entire bunch when only a few are ripe?

Like the others who have responded have said, the longer you wait, the more likely they will split. Namwah is the worst variety I have in that regard. In fact, more often than not, if there are ones as yellow as you show on your bunch, in my yard that would mean they had already split.

That said, if I can avoid it, I harvest bananas directly from the bunch, rather than harvesting the entire bunch at once. At least in my mild climate, they ripen over a much longer period when left on the plant. In some cases, I've harvested bananas from a single bunch over nearly 2 months, instead of having to consume or give away 50 pounds of bananas in one week if I harvest the entire bunch.

Harvesting fingers or hands off the bunch is only practical if you can reach the bunch, so it doesn't work for me with tall varieties. And then with Namwah varieties you have to get them before they split, and I often wait a day too long, and then I have a bunch of split bananas.

[Nicolas Naranja]

FHIA-17 55 lbs. Top hand fingers were 9.5" long. Bottom hand fingers were 7.5" long. Only 7 hands.

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140717_203252_zpskwwah6i2.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140717_203252_zpskwwah6i2.jpg.html)

[sunfish]

:0519:Harvested another AE AE pup:0519:

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad348/musanamwah/P1010201.jpg (http://s950.photobucket.com/user/musanamwah/media/P1010201.jpg.html)

[ladyflyfsh]

What do you all do with all your ripe bananas that ripen at once? I need to deal with about 20 pounds of nanners right now. HELP!

[jbyrd88888]

Give to friends, family and co workers!?... I have never harvested a bunch of my own but I found binge dieting on bananas only for one week is impossible but somewhat very healthy; my skin seemed smoother/softer, whiter eyes and thicker fingernails and beard... Best banana bread is made from overripe bananas IMO. I try to give lots of my vegetables away that produce more than enough for me to eat.

edit: I've heard of people freezing them but my experience turned them to mushy yucky.

[Nicolas Naranja]

What do you all do with all your ripe bananas that ripen at once? I need to deal with about 20 pounds of nanners right now. HELP!


I freeze mine or turn them into banana bread, which also freezes well.

[crazy banana]

I freeze mine or turn them into banana bread, which also freezes well.

I second that and smoothies and ice cream.
Friends, family, neighbors, colleagues.... , to make it short: there are never enough bananas on one bunch or lets say it this way, you have actually more friends, family members, neighbors and colleagues than you ever would have thought... :ha:

[servatusprime]

Creamwah!! These are huuuuuge, almost as big as Kandrain fruit. I might be imagining it, but the texture seems a little less firm/dense. This is the same mat that I harvested a couple of weeks ago. :woohoonaner::woohoonaner::woohoonaner::woohoonaner:

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/2E9ADA7A-8897-412A-AE8F-C179BF215717_zpsqezivapd.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/2E9ADA7A-8897-412A-AE8F-C179BF215717_zpsqezivapd.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/46F57F72-42B0-4270-BBD6-C861ED17A78E_zpspwrcus2a.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/46F57F72-42B0-4270-BBD6-C861ED17A78E_zpspwrcus2a.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/8B228DB2-1AD8-478C-BD82-A3BBB3FEC11A_zpswqotisra.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/8B228DB2-1AD8-478C-BD82-A3BBB3FEC11A_zpswqotisra.jpg.html)
http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/E719DFA8-77AE-44AD-9F04-5C2901B81AE7_zpsxaiz5vm9.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/E719DFA8-77AE-44AD-9F04-5C2901B81AE7_zpsxaiz5vm9.jpg.html)

[kubali]

Anyone know what type banana these are,I have had them growing about 24 years now. They were here when I bought this place and I might add they are super super sweet.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56504&size=1

[from the sea]

orinoco banana

[crazy banana]

Harvested another bunch of "real deal" Blue Java/Ice Cream today.
No photo, because I am too embarrassed to show the small bunch. It was so small because the plant did not even have one leaf left after last winter to support a proper filling and ripening of the fruit. Nonetheless, some nice bananas are better than none and they taste surprisingly good, too.

[Nicolas Naranja]

Gros Michel and FHIA-3, the calabaza are the fruits I didn't sell. I had about 1000 lbs this Summer
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/2014-08-15%2021.48.34_zpsjleagm6p.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/2014-08-15%2021.48.34_zpsjleagm6p.jpg.html)

[Nicolas Naranja]

The Gros Michel were decent sized, 7-8" with a 33mm diameter. 20 lbs bunch. It was bunch number 2 from the mat. Bunch number one, blew down immature, it didn't taste very good. I'm expecting better this time now that they are filled out.
The Fhia-3 are about 7" long with a 40mm diameter, also a 20 lbs bunch. It was bunch number 1 from the mat

[kubali]

some more great bananas
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56579&size=1

[PR-Giants]

Some skinny but very red Morados, a little over 40mm diameter.


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56577 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56577)



The skinny bananas don't have very good flavor but the puppies didn't seem to mind.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56583 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56583)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56582 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56582)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56584 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56584)

attn: PETA

They don't just eat dessert bananas, they already ate their maduros.

[I_GROWER]

My 1st success is my greatest blunder
http://i.imgur.com/0ssZHD8.jpg

[merce3]

Gros Michel and FHIA-3, the calabaza are the fruits I didn't sell. I had about 1000 lbs this Summer
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/2014-08-15%2021.48.34_zpsjleagm6p.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/2014-08-15%2021.48.34_zpsjleagm6p.jpg.html)

i have read that gros michel don't do well in florida so i am hesitant to try them in 9b, but it looks like they are doing well for you. do you give them any special care?

[servatusprime]

i have read that gros michel don't do well in florida so i am hesitant to try them in 9b, but it looks like they are doing well for you. do you give them any special care?

I have a mat down here in Fort Myers. From my experience, they are slow to establish and are fairly cold sensitive. You might be a little too north to grow them successfully without protection. I can't say I am an expert yet since I haven't harvested a bunch yet. I had one well on the way, but some wind gusts took it down. (needless to say I was not thrilled)

[Nicolas Naranja]

i have read that gros michel don't do well in florida so i am hesitant to try them in 9b, but it looks like they are doing well for you. do you give them any special care?

They are merely a curiosity. I don't do anything special except the bunch pruning. They are planted on a ditch bank about 200' from Lake Okeechobee so they are about as protected as bananas can get in interior Florida. They get sigatoka bad, they don't handle the cold well, the yields are awful, and they take a long time to make their first bunch. I would rather have FHIA-17 or Williams. I have a limited quantity but if people want to try them I can send them.

PM me before Wednesday if you want some Gros Michel bananas to try. They should be able to get anywher in the state of Florida without going overripe.

[Nicolas Naranja]

The gros michel bananas taste good. They are soft and taste like bananas. Creamier than Cavendish.

[kubali]

I never get big bunches like some members do, but they are always great eating.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/data/500/thumbs/08-26-2014.JPG
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56649

[Richard]

I never get big bunches like some members do, but they are always great eating.

It's a function of variety, cultivation, and weather. A Namwa in southern CA blooming late spring from a 3rd+ generation corm produced in an ongoing planter bed will usually have 120+ fingers. A Brazilian (Apple) in the same conditions might have 60 fingers.

[bananimal]

My biggest heaviest bunch of SH 3640 ever! Top hand finger caliper of 51 mm. Can't wait for ripening. Coming up next is first time ever Chini Champa --- then SH 3640 bunch #2.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56660&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56660&ppuser=820)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56659&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56659&ppuser=820)

[bananimal]

Wasn't gonna weigh the 3640 bunch but --- 28 lbs.

Cut off the top hand and it was 4 oz short of 5 lbs --- amazed I am!!!:woohoonaner:

[Nicolas Naranja]

I've got one filling in that it is just shy of 2 months old. The fingers are really long. If the fruit tastes good, I may increase it.

[PR-Giants]

It's always great to see those monster SH 3640 bunches with the giant fingers. Congratulations & Enjoy.


My biggest heaviest bunch of SH 3640 ever! Top hand finger caliper of 51 mm. Can't wait for ripening. Coming up next is first time ever Chini Champa --- then SH 3640 bunch #2.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56660&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56660&ppuser=820)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56659&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56659&ppuser=820)

[PR-Giants]

... I may increase it.

You might want to segregate the SH 3640 with other bananas that are very susceptible to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) Race 1.

[Nicolas Naranja]

You might want to segregate the SH 3640 with other bananas that are very susceptible to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) Race 1.

I am increasing FHIA 17, Williams, FHIA 1, Dwarf Namwah, and then maybe SH 3640. I am trying to limit my exposure to sigatoka and panama disease. I wouldnt fool with williams or dwarf namwah but they are reliably heavy bearing. When you have. 50 or 60 lbs bunches you can sell fruit at 75 cents per pound and make decent money

[PR-Giants]

I wouldnt fool with williams or dwarf namwah but they are reliably heavy bearing. When you have. 50 or 60 lbs bunches you can sell fruit at 75 cents per pound and make decent money

Wow at 75 cents per pound you're gonna get rich, you're netting 10 times what we get here.

Must be nice.

I am increasing FHIA 17, Williams, FHIA 1, Dwarf Namwah, and then maybe SH 3640. I am trying to limit my exposure to sigatoka and panama disease.

Sigatoka shouldn't be a problem for a small farmer like yourself.

The local farmers that have problems with sigatoka are usually either lazy or crazy, waiting too long to do the right thing or continuing to do the same wrong things but expecting better results.

Out of the 5 cultivars you've listed, you've got 1 that's resistant to panama disease race 1.

[robguz24]

Small scale sellers where I live sell to the health food store for $1/lb, which they turn around and sell for $1.69. I sell mine at the farmers market for $1.25 minimum, and up to $2 when it's something I have very little of and would rather eat myself.

[from the sea]

Small scale sellers where I live sell to the health food store for $1/lb, which they turn around and sell for $1.69. I sell mine at the farmers market for $1.25 minimum, and up to $2 when it's something I have very little of and would rather eat myself.

damn that's good jingle for naners :woohoonaner:

[Nicolas Naranja]

Small scale sellers where I live sell to the health food store for $1/lb, which they turn around and sell for $1.69. I sell mine at the farmers market for $1.25 minimum, and up to $2 when it's something I have very little of and would rather eat myself.

$.75/lb is my box price. At the market I am selling by the cluster because weighing would just be a giant headache. I just try to cut into 1 and 2 dollar clusters.

[Nicolas Naranja]

The last research done in FL showed resistance in FHIA 1 and FHIA 17 and of course Williams. As for the sigatoka, I only have trouble with it on my smallest planting which is planted at 800 mats per acre. I've never had problems outside the city of Pahokee. The main planting 5 miles up the road has no issues. The very first planting about 1 mile away had lots of trouble. A lot more people have bananas in Pahokee than in Canal Point

Wow at 75 cents per pound

you're gonna get rich, you're netting 10 times what we get here.

Must be nice.



Sigatoka shouldn't be a problem for a small farmer like yourself.

The local farmers that have problems with sigatoka are usually either lazy or crazy, waiting too long to do the right thing or continuing to do the same wrong things but expecting better results.

Out of the 5 cultivars you've listed, you've got 1 that's resistant to panama disease race 1.

[PR-Giants]

The last research done in FL showed resistance in FHIA 1 and FHIA 17 and of course Williams. As for the sigatoka, I only have trouble with it on my smallest planting which is planted at 800 mats per acre. I've never had problems outside the city of Pahokee. The main planting 5 miles up the road has no issues. The very first planting about 1 mile away had lots of trouble. A lot more people have bananas in Pahokee than in Canal Point

The only study I recall reading from FL was an old one from the mid 90's, and I don't recall what they used as a control. Back then the SH-3640 was classified as resistant and now is considered susceptible, I've seen the FHIA-01 classified as susceptible but highly tolerant, and I've seen the FHIA-17.

For the consumer flavor and yellow-life are very important, the longer the yellow-life the more units purchased per sale and also less loss for the retailer.

How is your FHIA-02 looking?

[Nicolas Naranja]

The only study I recall reading from FL was an old one from the mid 90's, and I don't recall what they used as a control. Back then the SH-3640 was classified as resistant and now is considered susceptible, I've seen the FHIA-01 classified as susceptible but highly tolerant, and I've seen the FHIA-17.

For the consumer flavor and yellow-life are very important, the longer the yellow-life the more units purchased per sale and also less loss for the retailer.

How is your FHIA-02 looking?

I am talking about the one from the mid 90s. I have talked to Dr. Ploetz in the past and he still stands by those varieties being resistant to what we have in Florida.

Oh I almost forgot
FHIA-2

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140902_111840_zpsa1e8aadc.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140902_111840_zpsa1e8aadc.jpg.html)

[venturabananas]

That FHIA-02 looks a lot more productive than the sad little one I have in the shade and too close to a Namwah mat. Let's just say it has a very "petite" bunch!

[PR-Giants]

Looks good, try to take photos as the male bud matures.

You should be able to confirm if it's a FHIA-2 in a couple months.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56693 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56693)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56694 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56694)

I am talking about the one from the mid 90s. I have talked to Dr. Ploetz in the past and he still stands by those varieties being resistant to what we have in Florida.

Oh I almost forgot
FHIA-2

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140902_111840_zpsa1e8aadc.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140902_111840_zpsa1e8aadc.jpg.html)

[Lau]

Large bunch of Namva Bananas (Yummy)

:goteam: :woohoonaner:

[PR-Giants]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56719 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56719)

[PR-Giants]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56727 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56727)

[Nicolas Naranja]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56741 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56741)
Nice Plantains

[Richard]

... FHIA-2 ...

So about those Mona Lisa (that don't do well here), just how sweet are they in your climate compared to the ever-dependable Namwa?

[Nicolas Naranja]

So about those Mona Lisa (that don't do well here), just how sweet are they in your climate compared to the ever-dependable Namwa?

I'll let you know. The ever-dependable Namwa is hard to beat.

[kubali]

Small but free, And free food is the best food.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56749&size=1

[from the sea]

a small bunch of namwa that the deer pulled down by the male bud a few weeks ago

[PR-Giants]

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56774 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56774)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56775 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56775)

[PR-Giants]

Some tostones for lunch.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56783 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56783)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56782 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56782)

[PR-Giants]

Some dessert bananas

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56791 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=56791)

[kubali]

I love it when we don't have much of a winter
Cause it means more bananas the next year.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56817
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56818

[servatusprime]

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/964A98F1-3C8A-4A8A-8440-87B5DA4D8918_zps1c2efqef.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/964A98F1-3C8A-4A8A-8440-87B5DA4D8918_zps1c2efqef.jpg.html)

Bananas from my short Tall Brazilian :)

[Nicolas Naranja]

a 7-hand bunch of SH-3640. 9" fingers. 40 lbs. Apparently the variety is susceptible to cigar-end rot

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x455/NicolasNaranja/20140929_191026_zps2c0e8238.jpg (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/NicolasNaranja/media/20140929_191026_zps2c0e8238.jpg.html)

[PR-Giants]

That's an amazing bunch, didn't realize they can be so productive.

Congrats :08:

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a600/servatusprime/964A98F1-3C8A-4A8A-8440-87B5DA4D8918_zps1c2efqef.jpg (http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/servatusprime/media/964A98F1-3C8A-4A8A-8440-87B5DA4D8918_zps1c2efqef.jpg.html)

Bananas from my short Tall Brazilian :)

[servatusprime]

Thank you. The picture might make it look a little larger than what it actually is. The brief stats on the bunch are six hands, 64 hands, about 20lbs.

[PR-Giants]

Thank you. The picture might make it look a little larger than what it actually is. The brief stats on the bunch are six hands, 64 hands, about 20lbs.

The Brazilian is not grown commercially because of poor yield but you seemed to have done great especially considering your growing conditions. It's just really nice when people put forth an effort to grow these less productive cultivars, again Congrats!!!

It's sad when you read about once popular local cultivars becoming rare or lost because of folks switching to more productive disease resistant cultivars.

[Nicolas Naranja]

What is the taste comparison between brazillian and FHIA 1 or FHIA 18. Or SH 3640 for that matter. I've eaten a commercially grown brazillian banana and didnt think it was fundamentally different tasting than one of the hybrid bananas.

The Brazilian is not grown commercially because of poor yield but you seemed to have done great especially considering your growing conditions. It's just really nice when people put forth an effort to grow these less productive cultivars, again Congrats!!!

It's sad when you read about once popular local cultivars becoming rare or lost because of folks switching to more productive disease resistant cultivars.

[PR-Giants]

I've eaten a commercially grown brazillian banana.

What country do you think commercially grows the "Brazilian" Prata?

"Fundamentally, the Prata type is a very tall, unproductive banana, bearing relatively small bunches and fruit even in low-density plantings, and not producing frequently enough to compensate for these shortcomings."

[Richard]

What country do you think commercially grows the "Brazilian" Prata? ...

Perhaps you mean "farmer" instead of "country" ??

[venturabananas]

What is the taste comparison between brazillian and FHIA 1 or FHIA 18. Or SH 3640 for that matter. I've eaten a commercially grown brazillian banana and didnt think it was fundamentally different tasting than one of the hybrid bananas.

To me, Brazilian, FHIA-01, and FHIA-18 are all very similar, and I like them all, but I prefer Brazilian. That's just my taste preference. FHIA-01 and 18 are pretty much indistinguishable to me, but both taste like what you expect based on parentage. I'd describe them as tasting like a Cavendish mixed with a Brazilian.

I haven't tried SH-3640, so I can't comment on that one.

[servatusprime]

What is the taste comparison between brazillian and FHIA 1 or FHIA 18. Or SH 3640 for that matter. I've eaten a commercially grown brazillian banana and didnt think it was fundamentally different tasting than one of the hybrid bananas.


Hey Nick,

I haven't grown/tried a FHIA 18 so I can't fully comment. (Perhaps I should) However I have grown/tried Brazilian, FHIA 1 and SH 3640 and I can find differences between all three in terms of taste and eating experience.

I might be able to distinguish all three since they are all essentially grown in the same environment and soil conditions. I know that the quality of the fruit can vary a good bit based on location according to what I've read on the forum from other members personal experiences. (I know you already know this, you are a black belt banana master after all)

The Brazilian bunch is just now ripe for eating out of hand, so I think its time for another taste report. When I put it together, I'll revisit my past reports for FHIA 1 and SH 3640 and make some qualitative comparisons.

[PR-Giants]

Perhaps you mean "farmer" ...???

Dude -- it doesn't make a difference, it's not a commercially grown cultivar.

Simply switching to a different cultivar like the "Dwarf Brazilian" Prata Ana will triple your yield and an even better choice would be the Pacovan.
:woohoonaner:

[PR-Giants]

Hey Nick,

I haven't grown/tried a FHIA 18 so I can't fully comment. (Perhaps I should) However I have grown/tried Brazilian, FHIA 1 and SH 3640 and I can find differences between all three in terms of taste and eating experience.

I might be able to distinguish all three since they are all essentially grown in the same environment and soil conditions. I know that the quality of the fruit can vary a good bit based on location according to what I've read on the forum from other members personal experiences. (I know you already know this, you are a black belt banana master after all)

The Brazilian bunch is just now ripe for eating out of hand, so I think its time for another taste report. When I put it together, I'll revisit my past reports for FHIA 1 and SH 3640 and make some qualitative comparisons.

From the ones I've tasted, it's easy to notice the differences, but even if one had stone taste buds they should still be able to discern the texture differences.

[PR-Giants]

To me, Brazilian, FHIA-01, and FHIA-18 are all very similar, and I like them all, but I prefer Brazilian. That's just my taste preference. FHIA-01 and 18 are pretty much indistinguishable to me, but both taste like what you expect based on parentage. I'd describe them as tasting like a Cavendish mixed with a Brazilian.

I haven't tried SH-3640, so I can't comment on that one.

Mark have you ever tasted a "Dwarf Brazilian" Prata Ana and if so how did it compare to the "Brazilian" Prata?

I have several friends growing the Prata, Prata Ana, Pacovan and many of the other hybrids produced by the Brazilian banana breeding program Embrapa and it might be interesting to see how your taste comparison compares with theirs.

[venturabananas]

Mark have you ever tasted a "Dwarf Brazilian" Prata Ana and if so how did it compare to the "Brazilian" Prata?

I have several friends growing the Prata, Prata Ana, Pacovan and many of the other hybrids produced by the Brazilian banana breeding program Embrapa and it might be interesting to see how your taste comparison compares with theirs.

Keith, I have tried them both, though I'll qualify that statement by saying that I wouldn't swear that all of the tall Pome varieties were really the "Brazilian" Prata clone. I've tried fruit from tall Pome clones from Hawaii (almost certainly "tall Brazilian", the Cook Islands (more likely the tall Pome "Lady Finger" from Australia), and some tall Pomes in my yard that were obtained misidentified under two different names. I grow Prata Ana (Dwarf Brazilian) from two sources, and they seem to be the same thing and are properly identified.

OK, with all that prologue, I don't discern any difference in taste or texture between the tall Pome clones that I've tried and Prata Ana. Given that climate and other growing conditions can affect the fruit characteristics, the best comparison is between Dwarf Brazilian and the tall Pomes in my yard. Those fruit are so similar to me that if I was blindfolded and fed each, I don't think I could tell them apart. Maybe someone with more refined tasting abilities could. But they aren't hard for me to distinguish from the FHIA varieties I've tried that have Prata Ana parentage; and of course, other subgroups.

You mentioned textural differences among some, and I am in complete agreement that the hybrids (e.g., FHIA-01 and FHIA-18) have a different texture than the Pome clones. At least in my yard, the hybrids are much softer.

I don't know how well my impressions of the fruit grown in my yard translate to fruit grown in more typical banana growing regions. Even within a single Pome cultivar (say Prata Ana), fruit grown in the tropics/subtropics that I've tried have been slightly softer and more "earthy" (maybe "vegetal") in flavor than those grown in Southern California.

Keith, I'd be interested to hear what differences in taste or texture you or your friends notice between the different Pome cultivars, and the hybrids. I've read good things about Pacovan, but I haven't been able to track it down in the hobby trade.

[Nicolas Naranja]

What country do you think commercially grows the "Brazilian" Prata?

"Fundamentally, the Prata type is a very tall, unproductive banana, bearing relatively small bunches and fruit even in low-density plantings, and not producing frequently enough to compensate for these shortcomings."
I have been to my share of international produce meetings and have had the Hawaiian and Brazillian version, and of course the semi-commercial Florida versions

[robguz24]

I can't taste the difference between Tall ones grown next door and Dwarf ones I grow 10 feet away.

[Lau]

I just harvested a small bunch of ? I thought they were DC's but maybe they are not. They look ripe but taste kind of tart. The last 3 pictures are from another banana plant same mat.

[venturabananas]

Susan, this one is Rajapuri, almost certainly. Those colorful female flowers wouldn't be found on a Cavendish variety. The fruit are also too short and stubby to be DC, and DC wouldn't be tart. The two varieties are basically the same height in my yard. Another giveaway is that on DC, when the flower emerges it is relatively long and slender, whereas Rajapuri has a massively fat flower.

[Lau]

Thanks for your help with the ID. It is a good banana plant the mat produces several bunches every year. I still have 3 bunches to harvest.

I got a Raja Puri from Armstrong's about 4 years ago and it hasn't flowered yet. I'm not sure what that banana plant really is. Maybe it will be a DC.

Its nice to know the true name of at least four of the banana plants in my collection.

Raja Puri
Reds
Pisang Awak (Namva)
Dwarf Giant (Enano Gigante')

Thanks again Susan

[Nicolas Naranja]

1 Williams
2 Goldfinger
2 Nam Wah
2 Mysore
1 Pisang Ceylon
1 Hua Moa

I think I got a Manzano and a few more hua moa that need to be cut too.

I've got a researcher from Auburn coming to pick up some fruit to do a nutritional analysis on different varieties.

[JCA433]

Does Pisang Ceylon require propping?

[kubali]

Does Pisang Ceylon require propping?

yes, you will more than likely need to prop it.

[Nicolas Naranja]

Does Pisang Ceylon require propping?

The bunches are fairly large, the plant is fairly tall. I used a bungee cord to tie it to another pseudostem for support