View Full Version : What type banana should I be looking for
Wingman
08-07-2016, 09:48 PM
Hey guys hope I'm in the right section. I'm a total newbie so all advice is appreciated
I'm in the northeast New Jersey. So what banana type should I look for, also should I put it in a pot or ground.
I currently grow figs in both pot and ground, looking to add a banana and a pinneaple to my hobbies
geissene
08-08-2016, 12:18 PM
Hi wingman,
I live in PA about 40 minutes north of Philadelphia. I have successfully overwintered basjoo plants outdoors and stored dwarf orinoco in my basement (bare root). I'd say either of these would be good for someone to start growing.
In my opinion, pots get heavy and are hard to move. I also end up having to water pots more than plants in the ground. So I only put plants in pots when I have to bring them inside for winter.
As far as pineapples go, perhaps try an exotic tasting one like the Kaui Sugarloaf. I'm trying to grow one of these myself.
Regards
Erik G
Any dwarf or super dwarf should do in pots. You don't want them tall and heavy!
I'd go with sugarloaf pineapple too.
Wingman
08-08-2016, 02:41 PM
Thanks for the info. Do you suggest I start looking for some now. Or with summer almost over wait till next spring
Tytaylor77
08-08-2016, 03:02 PM
Basjoo. Dwarf Orinoco.
Raja Puri you could bring in and keep as a potted plant for winter. Make sure you get one from a member here. I bought 4 raja Puri only one is real other 3 ended up being different non-raja Puri varieties. I have seen pictures of them flowering indoors.
Thanks for the info. Do you suggest I start looking for some now. Or with summer almost over wait till next spring
As most of us have lost a few during the first winter, I'd get one now to get the hang of it ASAP. Get it for free or for cheap. If you decide to grow in pots, put a lot of coarse sand in your soil mix. It will help in case of overwatering. Have fun!
geissene
08-08-2016, 07:10 PM
Theres plenty of warmth left this year to get a banana settled.
If you get a plant now, it will probably not get too tall to stay as a house plant this winter. Next fall is when your problems will start. As you wonder, how will I keep this 4' tall plant alive over winter!!!
Erik
Kegas76
08-08-2016, 10:37 PM
Just to be sure, I want to point out that Basjoo is a landscape banana plant, not something you grow for fruit.
You also mention pineapple and figs so I image you want a fruit bearing plant.
Wingman
08-09-2016, 02:23 AM
Im aware that up in the northeast it will be ornamental only, growing season is too small,
If you take them in for the winter, you may get fruit. It takes a lot of time though and it's very challenging but, to me, well worth the effort.
a.hulva@coxinet.net
08-09-2016, 02:41 PM
If you're using a pot, you might try a Zabrina and/or a Maurelii. I have very good luck with mine. If you overwinter in pots you MUST not water much at all.
Kevin2685
08-10-2016, 09:40 AM
Basjoo would be great for outdoors they are really cold hardy and fast growers. If you plant one this year you should do it soon cause this year all you will be really doing is letting the root zone build and adjust to its environment. Mine have been in the ground for 3 years and every year they do better and get much bigger.
For bringing inside in a pot you should do a dwarf variety. I think just starting out a dwarf orinico would be a good choice they have a good cold hardiness also.They have done well for me overwintering indoors just don't overwater when inside you want the soil to dry out between watering and don't water like you would outside you just want to add some moisture back into the soil.
Those were the first 2 I started with and they were both very forgiving of my learning curve.
cincinnana
08-10-2016, 07:14 PM
Just for thought...any plant that you will want to grow whether it be a super dwarf or a regular dwarf....if there are any....will be big...
Expect a 6x6 space minimum taken up by the plant..
Now add lighting.... now add the cost of running that lighting 16 hours a day....
Are you ready for the journey??
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