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KBinMD
10-11-2012, 01:28 PM
KB in MD here. We are giving a shot at growing these beauties (Musa Basjoo?)
purchased from Lowes. Planted them in clay under a tree 'cause i didn't know any better. They grew from 1' to 4'. I just dug them out to over winter them in the basement. Next year (if they make it) they will have a dedicated bed with good draining soil and more sun.
I've already made a nOOb mistake because i did not research enough. I had one growing in a pot that i cut out a pup from and replanted both. I just cut them back and was going to do the same winter process. But some nice members here have already told me they were not big enough yet and to leave them in the pots. To late. Now I will repot them and hope for the best. The two in the pots got full sun all day and was purchased and planted a month earlier than the ones in the clay and didnt grow as fast. I did keep them well watered but neglected to feed ANY of them :(
Anyway, I have all winter to read up on this site and learn to better care for them next year.

Best Regards,
KB

Abnshrek
10-11-2012, 07:42 PM
Hello, Welcome, and Happy Growing KB. :^)

designshark
10-12-2012, 09:04 AM
Welcome! I'm at the end of my 2nd year with Basjoo's here in east central Indiana. I'm still experimenting with the whole process myself. Last year I chopped the stalk and heavily mulched and covered with plastic anchored to the ground. I peeled it all back this spring and thought it was a total loss, total mush then one day in late May I noticed a sprout. Then another, then another for a total of four! I amended my soil with fertile native soil and sand (about 50/50) the 1st year, I did nothing to the soil this year but watered near daily and used Miracle Grow every 3rd or so watering. It grew nicely but not as tall as the previous year.

We're to the point now where winterizing is upon us. Earlier in the summer I removed one of the stems and potted it. It's growing very slowly but still growing and I had a few pups I potted. I'm going to use fencing, mulch and straw this year and of course cover with a tarp as tasteful as I can find for the wife's sake. (it's in front of the house) Next spring if my pups and stalk make it through the winter I plan on a lush corner of the back yard.

Good luck your way, lot's of ideas & info here