Log in

View Full Version : how vital to dig up Before frost???


mbfirey
11-03-2010, 04:27 PM
We're supposed to get frost this weekend and I plan on digging the bananas up. I'm just wondering how much damage the frost would do if I don't dig up until after the frost. I'm thinking it might just kill the leaves and really not damage the plants themselves- but not sure. How much damage would a 30ish degree frost do? Also would the cold actually HELP in inducing dormancy?
Thanks

chasbear
11-04-2010, 05:42 PM
We're supposed to get frost this weekend and I plan on digging the bananas up. I'm just wondering how much damage the frost would do if I don't dig up until after the frost. I'm thinking it might just kill the leaves and really not damage the plants themselves- but not sure. How much damage would a 30ish degree frost do? Also would the cold actually HELP in inducing dormancy?
Thanks

I've never had any experience with the effects of frost on banana plants, so I can't help you there. But, I do know something about bananas going dormant and if you can induce them. They NEVER go dormant here in their natural environment. I grow grapes here which have a hard time adapting to the weather never giving them a resting period, but bananas? They grow and grow and grow constantly and really like it. Think about them growing like that for thousands of years; I think you will now have quite a problem trying to make them want to go dormant.

palmtree
11-04-2010, 09:44 PM
I have left my bananas out in a frost before with damage of course, but nothing that would kill it. As long as its a very light frost, most banana plants will be fine. I would at least protect it with a frost cloth if possible, but if temperatures will be above 30F, they should be okay.