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View Full Version : Gros Michel Reunion


amantedelenguaje
08-04-2013, 11:44 AM
In spring of 2012, Terry aka Chance1945 purchased Gros Michel tc's from Agristarts so that we here at bananas.org could purchase them individually. How are yours progressing? What are your growing conditions/strategies? Got pics?



My two plants are in pots for now. I over-winter in the greenhouse. Since they will have had two full North Carolina spring/summers to grow, by spring 2014 I'm going to put one in the ground and hope for bananas. Just-in-case my timing's wrong, I'll put the other in the ground in 2015. If this doesn't work, there's always the pups.

June 2012
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EG4Jp5mfZ4A/T-CLoYtjDNI/AAAAAAAABgg/ZmUhJBWCNXs/s1600/002%2B%2528640x480%2529.jpg

August 2013
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CpNgF2OQG4/Uf51BHCRWgI/AAAAAAAADNU/zVWXb2EzzjE/s1600/2013-08-04%2B11.31.26-794987.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XdBT3F8i_tI/Uf51AB890GI/AAAAAAAADNM/KmoF_TesAws/s1600/2013-08-04%2B11.32.12-791785.jpg

Abnshrek
08-04-2013, 11:54 AM
All them pups looks like a DC on Azomite.. :^)

Illia
08-04-2013, 11:56 AM
That's what I was thinking was they look like Cavendish to me, but I'm no expert. I wouldn't be surprised though, sorry, but Agristarts is where a lot of mislabeling happens.

amantedelenguaje
08-04-2013, 12:40 PM
All them pups looks like a DC on Azomite.. :^)
There are at least 12 small pineapples in the larger pot
(budget shortage). The plant has 3 pups and one peeper. The smaller pot has 3 pups. I agree that they look like DC. I cannot find many images of gros michel to compare my plants to. That's why I need the other members' input. Others who purchased at the same time and live in warmer climates may have fruit by now. That way we can get a positive identification.

I noticed another member, Darkman I think, has been selling Agristarts Gros Michel recently. If Agristarts does not have the real deal, we need to get the word out. I just have no way of knowing because there is little info out there on gros michel.

Abnshrek
08-04-2013, 12:50 PM
There are at least 12 small pineapples in the larger pot
(budget shortage). The plant has 3 pups and one peeper. The smaller pot has 3 pups. I agree that they look like DC...

Dual cropping I like that.. I don't do it in a pot.. I have 4 acorn squash ready to pick.. Cayenne peppers are blooming. Cucumbers are a work in progress.. (all planted with my in Ground banana's)

kaczercat
08-04-2013, 02:00 PM
doesn't look right

Julian
08-04-2013, 02:37 PM
My GM highgate did not have red. I know these are not Highgate but...

shannondicorse
08-04-2013, 04:50 PM
I just have no way of knowing because there is little info out there on gros michel.

I apologise for butting in. I have a few Gros Michel vars from my ongoing re-collection efforts from old abandoned cultivation here on Trinidad.

The pseudostems do look too red when compared to the various Gros Michel vars that I have. More reminiscent of Cavendish when young. But I'm growing under tropical field conditions.

The petiole margins in Gros Michel vars tend to display more red than the Cavendish vars.

Additionally, the AAAA hybrids of Gros Michel parentage in my possession (168-12, 3405-1 & IC-2) seem to be far more on the red side than either Gros Michel or Cavendish - both on the petiole edges and the pseudostem. But the degree and extent of colouration vary widely with age and field conditions. I get the impression that pot culture increases the colouration.

There are an awful lot of Cavendish types out there though. There's always the chance that some Cavendish or tetraploid Gros Michel derivative might be sold as a true Gros Michel variety.


shannon

shannon.di.corse@gmail.com

servatusprime
08-04-2013, 05:42 PM
Hi everyone,

I got one from Terry too, here's mine so far:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53965&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=53965&ppuser=9375)

GM is the slowest of all my naners. Its beautiful, but I wish it would hurry up. Until recently I had some other plants below its canopy and I think they were slowing it down tremendously. It doesn't seem to do well when there is competition for resources. Since then its growth rate has noticeably improved. In my yard, GM seems to be happiest when its extremely humid and high heat.

I will say that amantedelenguaje's does look more like a cavendish than mine does for whatever reason. Should be the same in theory since we got it from the same source, unless there was a goof up.

shannondicorse
08-04-2013, 06:18 PM
I will say that amantedelenguaje's does look more like a cavendish than mine does for whatever reason. Should be the same in theory since we got it from the same source, unless there was a goof up.

Hello again,

This is more like a Gros Michel variety than the original pics. The red is in the correct place. That being said, even in this group there is considerable variation. I am only 100% sure that a plant is one of the Gros Michel varieties when I eat a ripe fruit.


shannon


shannon.di.corse@gmail.com

CountryBoy1981
08-04-2013, 06:34 PM
I also have the gros michel from Agristarts. Does anyone know where to find a reputable coco or highgate in the continental U.S.?

brod
08-04-2013, 07:36 PM
amantedelenguaje, very Cav looking

venturabananas
08-06-2013, 05:02 PM
Amantedelenguaje, yours are definitely not the true Gros Michel cultivar -- yours are dwarfs (note the very short petioles) and Gros Michel is a tall variety. There are dwarf Gros Michel varieties, but that's not what Agristarts was selling. It is possible that yours are somatic mutants caused by the TC process, or that there was another mix up and your are Dwarf Cavendish.

trebor
08-06-2013, 06:58 PM
Here's mine from Chance 1945
two of them.... left is a closer look at PS... center is total look at the other!
the PS is 7 feet and the total height is 12 to 13 feet. The base of both plants is swelling. Both of these are on the west side of a building. I expect to see blooms soon...
And NO I dont remove the leaves cuz these guys get the sun in the after noon plus the sunset and it is hot over there
The pup in the bucket is a Mananzo
Im gald to see this post :08:


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54045&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54045)

servatusprime
08-06-2013, 08:34 PM
Wow Trebor, your GM's are doing better than mine. I'll have to check my height but I know its not 7'. At the p-stem its closer to 4'. Yours are also more green. Interesting. Maybe you have magic dirt.

trebor
08-07-2013, 12:12 AM
Wow Trebor, your GM's are doing better than mine. I'll have to check my height but I know its not 7'. At the p-stem its closer to 4'. Yours are also more green. Interesting. Maybe you have magic dirt.


i wish i did have some magic dirt. But it more likely the Azomite , well water, compost, Florida sunshine :-)

servatusprime
08-07-2013, 04:16 AM
i wish i did have some magic dirt. But it more likely the Azomite , well water, compost, Florida sunshine :-)

Perhaps the azomite is one of the critical factors here. I have been wanting to add it but I would have to drive to Tampa to pick some up.(about. A $/lb) Sounds like I just need to find and excuse to get up there.

I'm guessing its a one time application. How much would you recommend per mat? Your experience and wisdom is much appreciated. :)

trebor
08-07-2013, 08:03 AM
Perhaps the azomite is one of the critical factors here. I have been wanting to add it but I would have to drive to Tampa to pick some up.(about. A $/lb) Sounds like I just need to find and excuse to get up there.

I'm guessing its a one time application. How much would you recommend per mat? Your experience and wisdom is much appreciated. :)

I use it quartly one pound per plant. I use the fine powder in a old mircle grow sprayer. I apply it usualy before a good rain. If no rain then I use a hose to water it in.*

Dalmatiansoap
08-07-2013, 09:42 AM
You guys will drive me nuts with that Azomite stuff

trebor
08-07-2013, 10:22 AM
You guys will drive me nuts with that Azomite stuff
Come join us!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54060&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54060&ppuser=7970)

servatusprime
08-07-2013, 10:41 AM
Hey Trebor,

Do you need to keep adding Azomite because it leaches out of the soil? I would think that you would really only need to work it into the soil once and be done with it.

trebor
08-07-2013, 01:00 PM
Hey Trebor,

Do you need to keep adding Azomite because it leaches out of the soil? I would think that you would really only need to work it into the soil once and be done with it.

I use it quartly one pound per plant. I use the fine powder in a old mircle grow sprayer. I apply it usualy before a good rain. If no rain then I use a hose to water it in.
AZOMITEĀ® | Frequently Asked Questions | Facts | Science (http://azomite.com/faq.html)

sunfish
08-07-2013, 02:45 PM
Come join us!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54060&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54060&ppuser=7970)

lemmings jumping off cliffs - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOOs8MaR1YM)

Dalmatiansoap
08-07-2013, 05:47 PM
Come join us!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=54060&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=54060&ppuser=7970)

:ha::ha::ha:
count me in!
:nanadrink:

Dangermouse01
08-07-2013, 06:22 PM
Heres where the one I got from Terry is at (front mat behind the blue bucket). All the leaves showing above it are from that mat (no super tall plant behind it). The first mat farther behind on the left is Gran Nain, the one farther behind the GN is the Manzano.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/banana%20stuff/Gros%20Michel/Gros-M-1_8-07-12_zps8db4df90.jpg

Zoomed in a little showing a 8' 2x4 leaning against #1 pup.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/banana%20stuff/Gros%20Michel/Gros-M-2_8-07-12_zps34735dfc.jpg

DM

amantedelenguaje
08-07-2013, 11:28 PM
Thanks for all your replies! Seeing how long and graceful some of your petioles and leaves are and the height of your pseudostems, I agree that it is not likely that my plants are Gros Michel. My only hope now is Ventura's theory of somatic mutants (whatever that is). Gosh, I hope that my plants are not more dwarf Cavendish. I have so many already that I am trying to give them to random people passing by my house. I even take my potted up Cavendish pups to family get-togethers and sort of "abandon" them in hopes that someone will give them a home. If they are not Gros Michel, perhaps they'll be something other than Cavendish.

I hope that more people respond to this thread. I know that there are lots more people out there who purchased Gros Michel around the same time. Let us know how you are progressing.

GreenFin
08-08-2013, 10:04 AM
Gosh, I hope that my plants are not more dwarf Cavendish. I have so many already that I am trying to give them to random people passing by my house. I even take my potted up Cavendish pups to family get-togethers and sort of "abandon" them in hopes that someone will give them a home.

:ha: And just wait till Christmas. A banana and fig for everyone :)

My Gros Michel is around 6.5' right now (with a 6' pup). It's led a bit of a hard life: I've moved it 4 times, most recently moving it out of the greenhouse and planting it in the garden about 10 days ago. I'll add pics later when I have more time.

Thanks for the thread. I was hoping for a GM reunion to see how all the other siblings were doing :)

vitin6039
08-08-2013, 02:16 PM
Here I got 2 small suppose to be "Gros Michel" I got from "sddarkman619" but they look very different from the pups on your plant. Probably one of us or maybe both have a wrong plant. I do have a Dwarf Cavendish very similar to the mother plant.

http://www.homegardeningworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2013-08-06-18.01.34-612x1024.jpg

Here is my "Dwarf Cavendish"

http://www.homegardeningworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2013-08-06-18.03.02-612x1024.jpg

Dangermouse01
08-18-2013, 01:14 PM
Nice short leaf, I think there is a bloom in it's near future.
Not really that pale color, sun was just about directly over head.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/banana%20stuff/Gros%20Michel/GM_08-18-13_zps24f7380f.jpg

DM

trebor
08-18-2013, 07:29 PM
Nice short leaf, I think there is a bloom in it's near future.
Not really that pale color, sun was just about directly over head.


DM

Id say your looking pretty dare good there:nanadrink:
Soon you will be looking at a bloom :ha:

Dangermouse01
12-03-2013, 04:56 PM
Today.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/banana%20stuff/Gros%20Michel/GM1_12-03-13_zpsd7c6eb09.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/banana%20stuff/Gros%20Michel/GM2_12-03-13_zps9a6f01ec.jpg

DM

amantedelenguaje
12-03-2013, 10:36 PM
Dangermouse,
Have you tasted your Gros Michel bananas yet. Is the taste as good as some people claim? Thanks for sharing your banana success.

trebor
12-04-2013, 08:04 AM
You da man DM...

CountryBoy1981
12-04-2013, 05:55 PM
Any taste report? Also, how long was it for the flower to ripening period?

Agri-Starts
12-07-2013, 02:01 PM
Hello All,
This is Ty from AgriStarts. I see some questions about if our Gros Michel is in fact true Gros Michel & where we sourced it.

I have to assume that we have the true form of Gros Michel as I sourced this one myself from USDA NATIONAL CLONAL GERMPLASM REPOSITORY in Corvalis, OR.

If anyone has any question on anything we are producing I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email me at Tystrode@agristarts.com.
Thanks you,
Ty

GreenFin
12-07-2013, 04:45 PM
I also have the gros michel from Agristarts. Does anyone know where to find a reputable coco or highgate in the continental U.S.?There's member named Pitangadiego who runs a nursery in San Diego and offers Cocos. I've bought one from him and can verify that it looks just like a smaller version of my full-size Gros Michel.

You can either pm him or google his Encanto Farms website. :bananas_b

Dangermouse01
12-15-2013, 09:22 AM
Dangermouse,
Have you tasted your Gros Michel bananas yet. Is the taste as good as some people claim? Thanks for sharing your banana success.

For me, the taste is so-so. Some are to the point where if you lift them they will break away from the hand very easily (and have a fair amount of brown), those are much better than pure yellow.
My parents liked then, my girlfriend doesn't (more for me, she likes other types but not these). But they are decent sized, came from my backyard and I am good with that.

Flower came out around end of August, harvested start of December, so about 4 months.

DM