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View Full Version : Finally, my first flower!


joekun
03-14-2014, 01:27 AM
After 3 and a half years of waiting I finally have my first banana flower! One Blue Java tree has grown into 3 mats with varying numbers of stems, but it was the original tree (which after 6 months in the ground was completely shredded by what was likely a raccoon) that flowered. I came here to see what I need to do to ensure that I get edible bananas from this flower, but there is so much information in the forum that I'm having a hard time finding the info.

How long does should I expect to wait before I get to eat a banana? The flower just appeared within the last week (extended family is asking!)

Is there anything I need to do? Just let the flower produce bananas? Do I cut off the flower at some point or just let it keep going and do its thing? Do they need to be bagged eventually, or is that just a commercial growing practice?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I am very excited!

Richard
03-14-2014, 01:40 AM
Congratulations!

joekun
03-14-2014, 02:04 AM
Thanks Richard! Just ordered some fruit fuel from you today to make sure my trees have all the nutrition they need.

caliboy1994
03-15-2014, 07:13 PM
Congrats! In Southern California you can expect six months. By the time September comes around you should have bananas to eat!

I'd try not to fert too much with nitrogen, but give them lots of potassium. Be careful not to overfretilize.

amantedelenguaje
03-15-2014, 07:34 PM
Congratulations! Post some picks, if you get a chance.

Kat2
03-15-2014, 07:43 PM
Congratulations! Post some picks, if you get a chance.Yeah or it didn't happen. :ha:

joekun
03-16-2014, 07:24 PM
Yeah or it didn't happen. :ha:

Ha ha, maybe it didn't. Beat up the fool told me them lies! :)

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_2575_zps8046c195.jpg (http://s962.photobucket.com/user/joelkun/media/IMG_2575_zps8046c195.jpg.html)

Kat2
03-16-2014, 07:31 PM
It's not quacking, is it? Or waddling? Or swimming in a pool? If it's not doing those things, I have a feeling it's not a duck. Indeed it looks like a flower to me. Congratulations! Had to leave my 1 year old DC behind when I moved so it's going to be another year at least until I see blooms of my own. I will enjoy yours for now.

joekun
03-16-2014, 07:36 PM
I've been wondering what a DC is as I saw some people posting it is one of the best varieties. Does it mean dwarf cavendish?

Kat2
03-16-2014, 07:56 PM
I've been wondering what a DC is as I saw some people posting it is one of the best varieties. Does it mean dwarf cavendish?
Yes, it's Dwarf Cavendish and apparently a plebeian variety. I bought mine on Mother's Day last year because I wanted "flowers" and, living up north, had never even seen a banana plant before. I may have severed a few pups successfully: time will tell. I have a few other varieties in pots also.