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View Full Version : Growing Dwarf Banana Tree Outside in Central Michigan


martabeth
09-13-2014, 11:15 AM
Hi, I need to be advised on growing a dwarf banana out side in West Central Michigan. It's done well in my slightly shaded, raised bed with sand and composted horse manure. The tree is about 6 inches around at the base and has 3 suckers. It stands 4 feet tall and looks beautiful. The plant is about 1.5 years old and hasn't produced fruit yet - hopefully, it will next year. I would like to know if this plant could survive our harsh winter which is starting early this year(Sept 2014) 2-3 months early! If so, what do I need to do. Do I leave it out side or bring it in? If left out side, should it be covered up or cut down to the ground. Thanks! If you can email answers that would be fantastic!

Thank you

cincinnana
09-13-2014, 11:50 AM
You'll need to bring that one in because the plant in not cold hardy/hardy in your zone and will perish.
Keep it just like you did last year in a container, you may also leave the pups on or take them off and repot them your choice.
Your plant sounds like it did well this summer.:woohoonaner:

martabeth
09-13-2014, 12:21 PM
Thank you. I guess I'm on my way out to the garden then to dig her up. We are suppose to get an early freeze tonight.

I was told this tree variety should only get about 10ft tall. Is that accurate?

martabeth
09-13-2014, 12:22 PM
What edible varieties will survive zone 4/5 winters?

blownz281
09-13-2014, 01:18 PM
Nothing will,Basjoo I guess you could try an eat. Problem is your ground freezes and edible varieties corms can't handle that. If it gets to 10ft it's not a dwarf variety.

namal
10-03-2014, 12:13 AM
Last year, I had good luck with keeping a 1' tall basjoo pup 'dormant' over the winter. I basically cut it away from the mother a week before my 'big frost'. I kept it about ~50 degrees in my attic. The plant got some sunlight near the window and I watered it lightly every 2 weeks or so.

I wasn't sure if it would make it since the pup didn't really have time to create it's own roots before it got cold. The pup lost some leaves but managed a full recovery in spring. It's now over 6' tall this season!

I assume they will survive dormant, I'd suggest leaving a few attached and remove the ones bigger than ~2 feet tall. Just my 2 cents.