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Devatrap
11-06-2013, 10:08 PM
So what is the best tasting, edible, cold and hardy banana? I live in Calvert County Maryland and I plan on getting some banana plants to grow, but I want ones with edible fruit that I can replant too. So what is my best choice?

Richard
11-06-2013, 11:36 PM
So what is the best tasting, edible, cold and hardy banana? I live in Calvert County Maryland and I plan on getting some banana plants to grow, but I want ones with edible fruit that I can replant too. So what is my best choice?

If you own a 12' W x 24' L x 16' H temperature-controlled greenhouse then you could grow Namwah and Pisang Ceylon. Otherwise in your location growing edible bananas is barely tractable. I recommend getting them from Trader Joes instead.

Kat2
11-16-2013, 08:59 PM
I tried to find a zip for Calvert Cliffs but couldn't so don't know your zone. If you're on the Bay (or is it the Atlantic? Can't recall), you have more temperate weather than the rest of MD; I suspect you're a zone 7a or possibly 7b.

My ex MIL lived in Stevensville and was able to cheat her zone; I lived in an 8a in Takoma Park (microclimate).

A huge greenhouse would be great but probably a luxury. If you want to try any edible banana outside, you'll have to do some heavy duty protection and know you will probably lose them before they produce fruit; if you're willing to grow in pots and have a garage or large unheated space in which to put your babies to bed for the winter, you have a chance with some of the hardier varieties. I left the north but there are others here who grapple with the chilliness of zones lesser than yours and succeed. I hope they chime in with their sage advice.