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View Full Version : Encouraging a bloom..


BobbyinNY
02-27-2006, 02:36 PM
Hi everyone.....

I have a Dwarf Cavendish that's about 6ft tall (9ft if you count the leaves). I'd really like to get this to fruit this summer. I on Long Island (7a) and the banana is in a greenhouse right now with temps around 75f/day, 65f/night. It's been growing like crazy... my question is.. what can I do to encourage a bloom so I get fruit this summer. If It doesn't bloom by this summer I don't know if I'll be able to keep it growing next winter becuase it'll get too tall for my greenhouse and I'll have to force it into dormancy.. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bobby

momoese
02-27-2006, 05:08 PM
I think the only thing you can do is keep it growing fast and healthy with lots of sun and plenty of potassium rich food. There are chemicals that will induce fruiting in some plants but I'm not sure if it will work on bananas. These same chemicals are said to stop production of male flowers and help start the formation of female flowers on certain hermaphrodite plants. Don't ask me how I know this! ;) I think we may have talked about it here a while back. :confused:

Gabe15
02-27-2006, 06:05 PM
It sounds full sized, if its growing good it should fruit anytime now, you will not have a problem of it getting too large if its already 6ft.

BobbyinNY
02-27-2006, 07:46 PM
thanks, Guys.....

Yeah, the only problem I'm having is that all the spears are touching the top of the greenhouse and I have to get it out of there. My problem is that I'm probably gonna have to wait a good solid 2 months before the temps are warm enough for that here... ugghh... I need a higher roof on my greenhouse.

Gabe15
02-27-2006, 08:01 PM
It may be cramped, but know that it wount hurt the plant.