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View Full Version : Greetings from South Dakota


allendale65
11-22-2015, 11:48 AM
Greetings to all. I have been reading the forum for five years now, but I have never felt much of a reason to introduce myself. I live in South Dakota, zone 4, and, as such, have very little information to convey about the growing of bananas. I have nothing to contribute, but I have very much enjoyed reading all of your posts containing wealths of good information and experience.

I have one Rajapuri, one Dwarf Cavendish. From seed, I have two Helen’s Hybrids, three Ensete glaucum, and a herd of newly emerged M. balbisiana. Planted outdoors in summer, my two-year old Ensetes grew to eight feet (leaf height) this year.

I have found Ensete glaucum overwinters dry in my house better than ventricosum.

I have killed a fabulous M. sikkimensis that I grew from seed. There have been other seed-grown casualties, too.

If there is a secret to having some success in germination it might be this:

1) Plant fresh seed indoors in Fall and set in warm place.
2) Give up by Spring and use the soil in some pot of annuals that you set outdoors when it is warm enough.
3) Be surprised by germination in early Summer.
4) Chastise yourself for not labeling. (Optional step)

All-in-all, this is one of my most favorite forums. Reading through old posts has made many a sunless and frigid day pass better. I thank you for all of your good and hard work.

Mark Dragt
11-22-2015, 11:57 AM
I see that you joined the forum nearly 5 years ago. I am glad you finally made your first post. I hope you don't wait another 5 years for the next one. Welcome to the org.

Kat2
11-22-2015, 03:47 PM
You'd be surprised at how much help you could give others attempting to grow bananas in your area. The reminder about labeling is helpful to all gardeners. Raise your hand if you've never planted seeds or a plant and didn't bother labeling because you knew you'd remember 6 months from now what was what or recognize what came up 6 months from now. My hand is at my side...

Snarkie
11-23-2015, 08:59 AM
Welcome to the Banana Express! :nanerwaveytrain:

HMelendez
11-24-2015, 08:16 AM
Welcome to the banana gang!

Snarkie
11-25-2015, 11:44 AM
Welcome to the banana gang!Ha! You should find a way to post your avatar on all your welcomes. That's sure enough a Welcome Wagon if I've ever seen one!