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View Full Version : Cut them or let them grow a little longer?


joekun
12-06-2014, 02:53 PM
Hi all, I'm in zone 10b and have a nice small bunch of bananas growing on one of my trees. These are supposedly Ice Cream, but I don't think they are the real deal, too green. Anyhow, the bunch emerged in early July. I've been told it takes about 6 months for them to be ready here, but night time temps are starting to dip into the high 40s. Should I cut them and bring them inside?

On Thanksgiving my mom asked for some bananas, so I cut a few off and gave them to her. They turned yellow and she tried them, but I was told they tasted "green." That made me think they may need more time. Though since I've never tasted them they could be terrible bananas for all I know.

I appreciate any advice.

The Bananas

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3528_zps0b32efcf.jpg

The flower (I read when the bananas are ready that the flower dies, but not sure if this is true)

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3527_zpsb32e77fc.jpg

Another bunch on another mat. This one emerged in mid October, hoping it will overwinter. Normally all my leaves die though, so not sure if that is possible.

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3530_zpsf22d0023.jpg

kubali
12-06-2014, 04:19 PM
Hi all, I'm in zone 10b and have a nice small bunch of bananas growing on one of my trees. These are supposedly Ice Cream, but I don't think they are the real deal, too green. Anyhow, the bunch emerged in early July. I've been told it takes about 6 months for them to be ready here, but night time temps are starting to dip into the high 40s. Should I cut them and bring them inside?

On Thanksgiving my mom asked for some bananas, so I cut a few off and gave them to her. They turned yellow and she tried them, but I was told they tasted "green." That made me think they may need more time. Though since I've never tasted them they could be terrible bananas for all I know.

I appreciate any advice.

The Bananas

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3528_zps0b32efcf.jpg

The flower (I read when the bananas are ready that the flower dies, but not sure if this is true)

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3527_zpsb32e77fc.jpg

Another bunch on another mat. This one emerged in mid October, hoping it will overwinter. Normally all my leaves die though, so not sure if that is possible.

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3530_zpsf22d0023.jpg

the bunch in the first picture are ready to cut off, the other bunch still needs to fill out quite a bit. Now as for when the flower dies the banana is ready,the flower on the end of the fingers that is not true at all. and a lot of times people think that when the peel first turns yellow it is fully ripe, but that is not the case always. depends on the kind .but mine has been 3-4 days after the peel turns yellow and sometimes will not be fully ripe till peel turns brown and I am in 90 degree weather when they turn usually. Try one if not ripe wait 3-4 days and try again till they are.

PR-Giants
12-06-2014, 07:02 PM
Yes it's true, and it's a great technique. I've used it thousands of times and used it again earlier today.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57167 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57167)



(I read when the bananas are ready that the flower dies, but not sure if this is true)

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/IMG_3527_zpsb32e77fc.jpg

joekun
12-07-2014, 12:58 AM
Thanks so much for the advice! Those look awesome PR! I went ahead and harvested mine. Can't wait to have my first taste. 58 bananas in total.

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae103/joelkun/banana_zps2e4f9bc7.jpg

venturabananas
12-07-2014, 01:35 AM
They are "Namwah Ice Cream". Let them get completely yellow, no green on the peel, and with some black would be even better. If you eat them at the stage most people eat a supermarket Cavendish, you will be disappointed.

PR-Giants
12-07-2014, 11:45 AM
Harvested a few more bunches this morning.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57163 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57163&ppuser=12081)

pitangadiego
12-07-2014, 04:55 PM
I would leave them longer. 6 months is a rule of thumb. Pretty close for Namwah, not even close for Ice Cream. All depends on your climate and when it flowered.

The flower has no relationship to ripeness. Every variety is different. Some varieties will flower for months after the bananas are ripe and picked. Tall Namwah might continue to flower for up to a year.

PR-Giants
12-07-2014, 06:17 PM
The flower has no relationship to ripeness. Every variety is different. Some varieties will flower for months after the bananas are ripe and picked. Tall Namwah might continue to flower for up to a year.

Interesting, I only grow slightly over 100 cultivars, but the flower & harvest thing seemed pretty standard. I've got about 30 Tall Namwahs with bunches hanging, so I'll try keep track of them and see what happens.

a.hulva@coxinet.net
12-07-2014, 08:43 PM
I would at least cut the stalk off below the bananas. This lets the plant more resources into the fruit. If you like the way they are cut the stalk off and eat. How big is the tree?:2722:

pitangadiego
12-10-2014, 01:12 AM
I have a Tall Namwah that ripened fruit in early summer and nit is still flowering, and likely will be doing so into the new year.

A.Hulva - I would strongly agree, in theory, but have been unable to document a difference with/without the flower in practice. Additionally, I do leave flowers on frequently because, as a demonstration garden, I need to have plants with flowers intact as an educational aid for our customers.

a.hulva@coxinet.net
12-10-2014, 02:19 PM
I have a Tall Namwah that ripened fruit in early summer and nit is still flowering, and likely will be doing so into the new year.

A.Hulva - I would strongly agree, in theory, but have been unable to document a difference with/without the flower in practice. Additionally, I do leave flowers on frequently because, as a demonstration garden, I need to have plants with flowers intact as an educational aid for our customers.
How tall does the "Tall Namwah" get? I am looking for the largest, tallest trees I can find.
Thanks,
Al

Hammocked Banana
12-10-2014, 07:28 PM
How tall does the "Tall Namwah" get? I am looking for the largest, tallest trees I can find.
Thanks,
Al

Kandarian is what you want then.

pitangadiego
12-11-2014, 12:37 AM
Tall Namwah, abut 13-14' trunk and 20+ leaf tip.

PR-Giants
01-14-2015, 11:36 PM
The flower has no relationship to ripeness. Every variety is different. Some varieties will flower for months after the bananas are ripe and picked. Tall Namwah might continue to flower for up to a year.

Tall Namwa 4 months after bud emergence, the flower will be finished before harvest.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57085 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57085)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57084 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57084)

BrianOC714
01-17-2015, 01:43 PM
Here is a link to my last thread, with some pictures of my blue java bananas, for comparison. My bunch seems to have much more of a blue tint to them. Good luck with your bananas.

http://www.bananas.org/f2/when-they-ripe-21457.html