View Full Version : Do you have to protect musa basjoo?
Eric1221
10-07-2016, 04:37 PM
I was curious.. this is my first year growing musa basjoo. I got my plants from amazon. They were very small.. like 4 inch pots with 3-4 leaves.. took them a little while to adjust but they got to a decent size ranging frim 2-4 feet of stalk and the leaves go up further.. my question is:
Do you have to protect and insulate the stalk in order to get big plants or can the plants be cutdown and every year get stronger and bigger starting from the soil if i chop them down and cover with mulch?
I was thinking of trying to cover 2 with insulation and bubble wrap.. any suggestions would be appreciated.. thank you!! Hope your gardens are going well.. :)
edwmax
10-07-2016, 05:09 PM
Basjoo plants have been know to survive sub-zero temps and are very cold hardy. But from the description of you plants, I think the plant & roots may still be too young & tender for freezing temps. I suggest bringing them inside in pots or as bare roots just to insure they will make it to next spring.
Of course, you can cut the pstem back, mulch very heavily & cover mulch & all with plastic and hope they will come back next spring.
Just my 2 cents worth ....
Eric1221
10-07-2016, 05:15 PM
Basjoo plants have been know to survive sub-zero temps and are very cold hardy. But from the description of you plants, I think the plant & roots may still be too young & tender for freezing temps. I suggest bringing them inside in pots or as bare roots just to insure they will make it to next spring.
Of course, you can cut the pstem back, mulch very heavily & cover mulch & all with plastic and hope they will come back next spring.
Just my 2 cents worth ....
Thank you for replying ! I didn't realize you could bring them inside. I don'5 know if my family will be cool with a big banana stalk in a pot in the house lol. I may just cut t down and then mulch heavily so the root system can establish itself since it is the first year. One of my plants got big leaves in the firs yeat several 3 foot leaves by a foot and a half or so.. and there are several pups starting to emerge from the base of the plant..
MBindy2000
10-08-2016, 10:55 AM
Thank you for replying ! I didn't realize you could bring them inside. I don'5 know if my family will be cool with a big banana stalk in a pot in the house lol. I may just cut t down and then mulch heavily so the root system can establish itself since it is the first year. One of my plants got big leaves in the firs yeat several 3 foot leaves by a foot and a half or so.. and there are several pups starting to emerge from the base of the plant..
Eric,
Are your plants in the ground or in pots? IF the family is ok on bringing them in you could transplant the plant to a pot and if you have a grow light or a good south window the plant will survive. IF its in the ground you can mulch it, bubblewrap, hey and bags. That's what I do with mine and have pictures on another thread. Another idea of what you can do is dig them up and put them in a warm dark place to rest. I do that with my elephant ears, cannas and red banana plants.
Mike
Eric1221
10-08-2016, 11:05 AM
Eric,
Are your plants in the ground or in pots? IF the family is ok on bringing them in you could transplant the plant to a pot and if you have a grow light or a good south window the plant will survive. IF its in the ground you can mulch it, bubblewrap, hey and bags. That's what I do with mine and have pictures on another thread. Another idea of what you can do is dig them up and put them in a warm dark place to rest. I do that with my elephant ears, cannas and red banana plants.
Mike
Hey thank you for the advice. Yes they are all in the ground. I think bringing them indoors will be an issue but the bubblewrap hay and bag trick seems like a good idea. How much bubblewrap and hay do you need ? I have 3 main musa basjoo plants im trying to save through the winter. I heard bubblewrap is problematic? I just want them to live so badly lol
cincinnana
10-08-2016, 04:29 PM
Hey thank you for the advice. Yes they are all in the ground. I think bringing them indoors will be an issue but the bubblewrap hay and bag trick seems like a good idea. How much bubblewrap and hay do you need ? I have 3 main musa basjoo plants im trying to save through the winter. I heard bubblewrap is problematic? I just want them to live so badly lol
Erik.
Your hardiness zone is zone 7....if you can remove your zip from your profile and inserted your zone 7 would be awesome.
So.
If you dug a great loose well draining big hole slightly elevated from the rest of your garden your small plants should be fine with a heavy layer of mulch/organics /bags of mulch or leaves and whatever else to choose
Anything you can put over the corm that will add distance from the freezing temps above the soil line will help your plant.
Here is a link (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/albums/72157638267344853) to help you make a decision..
Generally, In July/ August no matter what you choose to do with your plant to overwinter it, the height will be the same.
scottu
10-08-2016, 07:45 PM
you need to cover and insulate the corms enough to keep from freezing, thats most important, then in case we get a warm spell at some point, you need to keep them from getting light and moisture so they don't start to grow in the middle of their dormancy, i put a final covering of black plastic over all with some kind of weights on the outer edges.
good luck and if they don't make it i have tons of pups not far from you in the spring. we all get better at it and more addicted to it each year.
edwmax
10-09-2016, 08:04 AM
To expand on my early post and scottu's post: ... Long Island appears to have a soil frost/freeze depth of 18 to 20 inches. So I think the mulch should be as thick or more to allow for settlement and extend aprox. 24 to 36 inches around the corm/plant to prevent freezing from the outer edge. The plastic is to kept the mulch in place and freezing rain out as well as giving a greenhouse effect for heat. ... If you keep the young/tender corms temps above freezing, they will survive the winter. ... When the leaves die cut the pstem to the ground.
cincinnana
10-09-2016, 09:55 AM
As the other guys said ....Pile it on.:woohoonaner:
In the spring rake it back.
.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7344/11164540115_9478ba481c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/i1zbNX)
Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/i1zbNX)
by Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/),
on Flickr
Eric1221
10-17-2016, 06:03 PM
As the other guys said ....Pile it on.:woohoonaner:
In the spring rake it back.
.
https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7344/11164540115_9478ba481c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/i1zbNX)
Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/i1zbNX)
by Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/),
on Flickr
So covering with mulch and nothing else works just fine?
Eric1221
10-17-2016, 06:09 PM
you need to cover and insulate the corms enough to keep from freezing, thats most important, then in case we get a warm spell at some point, you need to keep them from getting light and moisture so they don't start to grow in the middle of their dormancy, i put a final covering of black plastic over all with some kind of weights on the outer edges.
good luck and if they don't make it i have tons of pups not far from you in the spring. we all get better at it and more addicted to it each year.
So do you think this is suitable? So far i went around each stalk and piled soil along the trunk to make a mound around the corm to encourage rain to go to the sides instead of settling on the trunk area. Then i want to buy bubble wrap and rap up the stalk well and cover with mulch or hay and then buy a plastic garbage pale and cover it with that and put a rock on top of the lid to keep the pale from being blown over
scottu
10-17-2016, 06:23 PM
So do you think this is suitable? So far i went around each stalk and piled soil along the trunk to make a mound around the corm to encourage rain to go to the sides instead of settling on the trunk area. Then i want to buy bubble wrap and rap up the stalk well and cover with mulch or hay and then buy a plastic garbage pale and cover it with that and put a rock on top of the lid to keep the pale from being blown over
Don't ever put any kind of plastic against the banana plant! Use another source. no moisture barriers against the plant, Other than that, that could work.
Eric1221
10-17-2016, 06:28 PM
Don't ever put any kind of plastic against the banana plant! Use another source. no moisture barriers against the plant, Other than that, that could work.
This is what comfuses me because i have seen and heard ppl who have used bubble wrap and they say it works just as well? Then some ppl say you don't have to do any winterizing and their bananas come back every year and grow 10-15 feet no problem. I just wanna do the easiest method and while preserving the height. Decisions decisions lol
cincinnana
10-18-2016, 09:27 PM
This is what comfuses me because i have seen and heard ppl who have used bubble wrap and they say it works just as well? Then some ppl say you don't have to do any winterizing and their bananas come back every year and grow 10-15 feet no problem. I just wanna do the easiest method and while preserving the height. Decisions decisions lol
Well......... ask yourself this question.
How much do you want to spend annually for a ten dollar plant.
A link is supplied for some pics
https://www.flickr.com/gp/hostafarian/Bt71u4
MBindy2000
10-19-2016, 09:18 AM
interesting on the no plastic. I'm a little confused here, like Eric. I have been using the bubble wrap since I saw it on you tube. I get the stuff at work that is basically trash so no I'm not stealing from work :) I think Ill just use my method this year since I have so many resources already. I will continue to learn about this. Heck we are all green thumbs and have learned by trial and error. Thank you for your experienced advice Cincinana!
MBindy2000
10-19-2016, 09:20 AM
Well......... ask yourself this question.
How much do you want to spend annually for a ten dollar plant.
Locally we do this(volunteer) commercially as well in private(ME) gardens..
WE do this to over 600+ plants in the area....
Some cover a quarter acre...
No Bs
No insulation
No tarps
No unsightly huts in your front yard.....
NO loss..
Just good gardening practice... and mulch.
Do ask questions within this thread.....the more info in the thread the better.
All answers within the thread have been valid and proven......pick and choose what will work for you.
A link is supplied for some pics
https://www.flickr.com/gp/hostafarian/Bt71u4
How far down to the ground do you cut the plant?
Eric1221
10-19-2016, 04:22 PM
interesting on the no plastic. I'm a little confused here, like Eric. I have been using the bubble wrap since I saw it on you tube. I get the stuff at work that is basically trash so no I'm not stealing from work :) I think Ill just use my method this year since I have so many resources already. I will continue to learn about this. Heck we are all green thumbs and have learned by trial and error. Thank you for your experienced advice Cincinana!
What is your method?
beam2050
10-19-2016, 04:43 PM
use a blanket or on old pair of pants first, then bubble wrap it.
scottu
10-19-2016, 05:37 PM
yes, that's to the point, no moisture barrier/plastic against the plant!
Though you could get a little more creative with the insulation!
beam2050
10-19-2016, 06:20 PM
yes and also use a piece of plywood or particle board or a large piece of Styrofoam to keep the sun off it. plastic when the sun hits when its on the ground pulls moisture.
MBindy2000
10-20-2016, 06:45 AM
What is your method?
I cut the plant down to about 2 feet, then I pile mulch all around where I assume the corm is. Then I put an all weather trash bag around the stalk with the bottom cut out. Then I bubble wrap the stalk, with the bubbles inside and the duct tape the bubble wrap around the stalk. Then I add more mulch and finally I pack the bag with hay. Then put two more bags over the bag. Over on the transplant idea thread I have some pictures of this method. This was a success for me last year. I am always learning and figure to use this method again. I live in zone 6b and want to give my plants the best protection possible. However, I am open to learning some newer ways of winterizing my tropical.
MBindy2000
10-20-2016, 06:56 AM
Don't ever put any kind of plastic against the banana plant! Use another source. no moisture barriers against the plant, Other than that, that could work.
I think I understand what you are saying. My bubble wrap did protected the plant, however, there was a ton of moisture build up on the plant so when it was time to uncover the plant it was a sloppy mess. The plant did recover and grew a good fifteen feet tall.
subsonicdrone
10-20-2016, 08:52 AM
one thing about mulch is it creates heat
people heat greenhouses with a coil of pipe in a pig pile of wood chips
but apparently it is warm enough where you are(mbindy) to not worry about the extra protection
Denverian
10-20-2016, 12:55 PM
I think I understand what you are saying. My bubble wrap did protected the plant, however, there was a ton of moisture build up on the plant so when it was time to uncover the plant it was a sloppy mess. The plant did recover and grew a good fifteen feet tall.
I don't understand why the one I have from last year (where the p-stem turned into a "sloppy mess" as well) shot up new growth, but only up to about 3' tall. I wonder if my clay soil is holding growth back?
MBindy2000
10-20-2016, 07:35 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=60753&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=60753&ppuser=22059)
So what I did today out in the rain is piled a bag of mulch over the stump and the assumed area where the corm is. I also placed the leaves from the plant over it. I figure they could keep things dry and become compost. I wonder if I should add more mulch? Also I decided to against the bubblewrap this year too. I cut the plants down to about six inches. I need to buy more mulch.
Also the chicken wire is to keep our puppy out of the mud. The larger muddy area is going to be my expanded banana garden for next year.
MBindy2000
10-20-2016, 08:14 PM
I don't understand why the one I have from last year (where the p-stem turned into a "sloppy mess" as well) shot up new growth, but only up to about 3' tall. I wonder if my clay soil is holding growth back?
I have a lot of clay in my soil, but when I planted my plants I have always added sand to the soil to help the drainage. You might be able to try that. Well, as I working in the yard today I thought about what a couple of people have said about bubble wrap and think that could be the problem. Since it causes more moisture and these plants are full of water the bubble wrap will cause problems. One problem it's plastic and could cause unnecessary heat that would cause the stem to rot and then the other problem the plastic will not retain the heat when it gets real cold. I came to the conclusion that I should cut the plant down to about six inches and mulch the heck out of it. I figured the leaves from the plant could also help keep things dry until they decay. What I need to learn about is how will the plant decide to go dormant? When I was cutting the plant down I noticed later that it was still growing in the middle. It probably grew a quarter inch. I hope my info helps and thank you to others who have offered advice.
Denverian
10-24-2016, 10:28 AM
I have a lot of clay in my soil, but when I planted my plants I have always added sand to the soil to help the drainage. You might be able to try that. Well, as I working in the yard today I thought about what a couple of people have said about bubble wrap and think that could be the problem. Since it causes more moisture and these plants are full of water the bubble wrap will cause problems. One problem it's plastic and could cause unnecessary heat that would cause the stem to rot and then the other problem the plastic will not retain the heat when it gets real cold. I came to the conclusion that I should cut the plant down to about six inches and mulch the heck out of it. I figured the leaves from the plant could also help keep things dry until they decay. What I need to learn about is how will the plant decide to go dormant? When I was cutting the plant down I noticed later that it was still growing in the middle. It probably grew a quarter inch. I hope my info helps and thank you to others who have offered advice.
Hmmm... good point about the bubble wrap. Maybe I'll just wrap with the insulation, then a bag and lots of leaves over that, mulch a lot around the base with leaves/grass clippings.
One thing about Denver... the winter sun is strong at this altitude and it can get up in to the 60s and 70s even in Dec - Feb. I think my p-stem turned to mush last March. And in March it can get into the 80s. But then it always goes back to cold and some snow in April. Difficult climate to deal with!
MBindy2000
10-24-2016, 02:38 PM
Hmmm... good point about the bubble wrap. Maybe I'll just wrap with the insulation, then a bag and lots of leaves over that, mulch a lot around the base with leaves/grass clippings.
One thing about Denver... the winter sun is strong at this altitude and it can get up in to the 60s and 70s even in Dec - Feb. I think my p-stem turned to mush last March. And in March it can get into the 80s. But then it always goes back to cold and some snow in April. Difficult climate to deal with!
Well definitely keep us all posted. I'm curious to see whether bubble wrapping, insulating or mulch is better ways to go. I'm guessing whatever we do for our plants there is winner either way. As long as they grow in the spring is all that matters. :waving:
beam2050
10-24-2016, 02:53 PM
I know what your talking about Denver. I lived in rock springs wyo. one day there would be a foot of snow and the next you would be pushing mud with your bumper and the next it would snow and go back to freezing.
cincinnana
10-25-2016, 06:50 PM
Hmmm... good point about the bubble wrap. Maybe I'll just wrap with the insulation, then a bag and lots of leaves over that, mulch a lot around the base with leaves/grass clippings.
One thing about Denver... the winter sun is strong at this altitude and it can get up in to the 60s and 70s even in Dec - Feb. I think my p-stem turned to mush last March. And in March it can get into the 80s. But then it always goes back to cold and some snow in April. Difficult climate to deal with!
Some of the southern(Zone 7-8 )fellas wrap mini christmas lights around the stem. after they wrap them up....sounds like a plan!!
As a fun test take a can of soda and wrap it with bubble wrap ,then put it is the warmest gloves you have and put it in your zone 6 freezer for a couple of days..
cincinnana
10-25-2016, 07:01 PM
So covering with mulch and nothing else works just fine?
Yes,,,,,, click on the photo to see more pics.
In this garden it is used for about 400 plants...for the last 7 years
In my garden about 50 plants for the last 5 years.
Eric1221
10-25-2016, 09:24 PM
Yes,,,,,, click on the photo to see more pics.
In this garden it is used for about 400 plants...for the last 7 years
In my garden about 50 plants for the last 5 years.
This is my plan: use a tube used for concrete filling.. put that over the stem and fill the tube with hay. Once i stuff the hay in there i want to cover it with two garbage bags and then put mulch around the base.. do you think this seems okay ?
geissene
10-26-2016, 12:28 PM
......... When I was cutting the plant down I noticed later that it was still growing in the middle. It probably grew a quarter inch.
The reason your plant may have appeared to grow is because the new leaf (center) is no longer being held back by the resistance of the full length P-stem. I have seen this when cutting down my p-stems, the center section relaxes and it seems like about an inch of growth happens in just a few hours. If the plant continues to grow, then its not sleeping!
Don't be too concerned about hiberation. Last year in PA, we had a very warm december and my basjoos came out of hibernation 2 times. I just cut the top leaves off after the next frost came.
Erik
Denverian
10-27-2016, 12:40 PM
A few years ago I had some other variety of banana (not hardy) that I dug up and brought inside, and put it in a pot in the basement. It died after a couple months, presumably due to lack of sunlight (it was by a large window well).
I'm wondering what the success rate is with Basjoo if you chop the leaves after frost, dig the whole thing up and let it dry out, then put the roots it in a bag and leave it in a dark, cool basement room. This is what I do with my elephant ears with great success. Anyone have success with this method?
MBindy2000
10-27-2016, 09:34 PM
A few years ago I had some other variety of banana (not hardy) that I dug up and brought inside, and put it in a pot in the basement. It died after a couple months, presumably due to lack of sunlight (it was by a large window well).
I'm wondering what the success rate is with Basjoo if you chop the leaves after frost, dig the whole thing up and let it dry out, then put the roots it in a bag and leave it in a dark, cool basement room. This is what I do with my elephant ears with great success. Anyone have success with this method?
Same success as the elephant ears. I have dug up my red bananas, giant Nepal(snow banana) and a musa basjoo the past two years and when spring arrived I planted and they grew well. This year I'm gambling and left everybody outside in the ground.
Denverian
10-28-2016, 11:59 AM
Same success as the elephant ears. I have dug up my red bananas, giant Nepal(snow banana) and a musa basjoo the past two years and when spring arrived I planted and they grew well. This year I'm gambling and left everybody outside in the ground.
If you dig it up and store in the cool dark, does the p-stem survive? If I choose this method, I'd have about a 4 - 5' p-stem connected to the roots.
MBindy2000
10-29-2016, 06:57 AM
If you dig it up and store in the cool dark, does the p-stem survive? If I choose this method, I'd have about a 4 - 5' p-stem connected to the roots.
If you choose to go that direction It will grow a little(a few inches). Just don't water it. Just leave it be to rest. Also, make sure you get the entire corm.
cincinnana
10-29-2016, 09:55 AM
This is my plan: use a tube used for concrete filling.. put that over the stem and fill the tube with hay. Once i stuff the hay in there i want to cover it with two garbage bags and then put mulch around the base.. do you think this seems okay ?
Sure, give it a try. Keep in mind you are in zone 7.
If you find it does not work to preserve the height of your stem then you always have the corm to rely on in the spring to start with.
Then next year you can try something else.
cincinnana
10-29-2016, 11:00 AM
A few years ago I had some other variety of banana (not hardy) that I dug up and brought inside, and put it in a pot in the basement. It died after a couple months, presumably due to lack of sunlight (it was by a large window well).
I'm wondering what the success rate is with Basjoo if you chop the leaves after frost, dig the whole thing up and let it dry out, then put the roots it in a bag and leave it in a dark, cool basement room. This is what I do with my elephant ears with great success. Anyone have success with this method?
Some of the forum members do that annually with their plants. Seems to reliably work for them. They store the plant barefoot inside in a breathable type bag in a horizontal or vertical position
A few even tuck the barefoot plants in the crawl space under their homes.
Check out this thread some posts have goof photos.
http://www.bananas.org/254850-post464.html
cincinnana
10-29-2016, 08:57 PM
10 day forecast for this thread is good ,,,,,,for ten more grow days. even more,
So take your time...the weather does..
cincinnana
10-30-2016, 07:37 PM
There is a few weeks more of the season left to grow......maybe more.
Zone 6.
I will let mine go as the weather permits.
The plants are already mulched which will add a few weeks to the grow season.
I will let the weather prune them.
Fall is a good time for clear skies also
.https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5622/30032472283_3897b36935.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MKSgGg)
scope (https://flic.kr/p/MKSgGg)
by
Hostafarian (https://www.flickr.com/photos/hostafarian/),
on Flickr
Denverian
11-01-2016, 11:59 AM
If you choose to go that direction It will grow a little(a few inches). Just don't water it. Just leave it be to rest. Also, make sure you get the entire corm.
Great, thanks! Since it's not huge, I'm leaning toward this method. I'll mulch the older one that shot up growth this year and leave it outside. I was impressed that it came back from the ground, but not impressed that it just sent up a few "pups" that only grew to 2-3' tall.
One thing I do with the elephant ears is in mid April, I plant the bulbs in pots indoors to get them going. I suppose I could do that with the Basjoo too. I can't plant these things in the ground until around May 15th since we often get late frosts or even wet snow in early May. We had a heavy, wet snow on Mother's Day a couple years ago, after all the trees had bloomed! Then two days later, it was hot, almost instantly going from winter to summer.
Snarkie
11-02-2016, 10:08 AM
Last year, I took chicken wire and hardware cloth, and made tubes about a foot in diameter. I placed them over the stem and cut back to that height, filled with sawdust and chainsaw slash and they wintered beautifully, compared to the ones I let die back to the ground. In fact, one of those plants was in its first year. This year, it fruited about a month ago.
I left these plants wide open and got a little mush, but not much. This year, I'll try draping with plastic to keep the rain out.
What part of LI are you in? If you're out near the Hamptons, putting the corm 6" deep should more than enough to protect them from any temps you're likely to see.
MBindy2000
11-06-2016, 04:29 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=60843&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=60843&ppuser=22059)
Well with the unusual warmth in Indy. I see that the plant has continued to keep growing regardless. I'm not sure what to do besides ignore what's going on. First, I thought I would get more mulch, but then the plant would grow through that. Then, I thought about cutting it back again, but figure the plants will continue to grow. So I have come to the conclusion that if and when it ever does frost what is growing will back off. The corm is what I'm concerned about and it/they should be nice and warm with what's all piled. Am I correct?
Snarkie
11-06-2016, 05:31 PM
Keep it buried and well mulched!
Denverian
11-07-2016, 01:51 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=60843&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=60843&ppuser=22059)
Well with the unusual warmth in Indy. I see that the plant has continued to keep growing regardless. I'm not sure what to do besides ignore what's going on. First, I thought I would get more mulch, but then the plant would grow through that. Then, I thought about cutting it back again, but figure the plants will continue to grow. So I have come to the conclusion that if and when it ever does frost what is growing will back off. The corm is what I'm concerned about and it/they should be nice and warm with what's all piled. Am I correct?
I still haven't done anything to mine. A light frost a couple weeks ago burned a few leaves, so I cut them off. But a new leaf continues to grow.
I've decided to dig mine up and store it in the basement. I'll see what next week's weather wants to do, but this warm weather is crazy. My elephant ears are still growing too. We really need a few nights down around 30, or upper 20s. We still have flowers blooming, some trees are still green.
MBindy2000
11-08-2016, 08:36 AM
I still haven't done anything to mine. A light frost a couple weeks ago burned a few leaves, so I cut them off. But a new leaf continues to grow.
I've decided to dig mine up and store it in the basement. I'll see what next week's weather wants to do, but this warm weather is crazy. My elephant ears are still growing too. We really need a few nights down around 30, or upper 20s. We still have flowers blooming, some trees are still green.
at the rate of our warm weather we might slip from zone 6 to zone 7 ha I can't recall it staying this mild this long. Usually we have had a good freeze then the Indian summer. Not this year.
Denverian
11-08-2016, 04:01 PM
at the rate of our warm weather we might slip from zone 6 to zone 7 ha I can't recall it staying this mild this long. Usually we have had a good freeze then the Indian summer. Not this year.
We're supposed to drop to the mid 30s a couple times this week, but that's it. Then it's in the 60s and 70s during the day. My thought is that the Basjoo and Elephant Ears need a freeze (down to 30 or so) to send them into dormancy.
The weather man said our record latest 1st snowfall is Nov. 21, and that it looks like we'll break that record. Fine by me! Although it's just so dry here. I blew out my sprinklers a couple weeks ago, and now I'm having to water the lawn and plants by hand. Although the lawn is still extremely green and growing.
MarySue
11-09-2016, 04:24 PM
So covering with mulch and nothing else works just fine?
This is our first year wintering our musa bajoo. How do we deal with the pups. We have a few neighbors who would like to harvest them for their yards but I need to know when and how to do that. We have about 6 pups or more on our 3 original plants. Our plants grew to about 12' and are very full and green. They are still producing new leaves each day. How long do we wait until we cut the big plants back? Thank you so much.
If I can figure out how to add more pictures, I will do that,
MBindy2000
11-11-2016, 08:27 AM
This is our first year wintering our musa bajoo. How do we deal with the pups. We have a few neighbors who would like to harvest them for their yards but I need to know when and how to do that. We have about 6 pups or more on our 3 original plants. Our plants grew to about 12' and are very full and green. They are still producing new leaves each day. How long do we wait until we cut the big plants back? Thank you so much.
If I can figure out how to add more pictures, I will do that,
Mary, there are two types of pups. Sword Suckers that have thin leafs, that look like swords and grow with the plant. Water Suckers have broader leafs. They grow slower and live off the corm. They are good to transplant. You can do that by making a cut at 45 degrees towards what you assume is the center of the corm and dig it up. This way the water sucker gets plenty of corm and becomes its own plant. To insure you got enough of the corm you should see the stringy looking roots and a couple of those will work. The mother plant will prosper without the drain it was getting from the Water Sucker and grow better. The Sword suckers I leave with the mother plant. They are makes the plant broader. My question is what are you doing to winterize your bananas? Digging them up, bagging them, mulching? If your neighbors wants a plant to grow over the winter at Water Sucker will make a great plant as long it gets good sunlight. Otherwise if you dig them up you would need to put them to rest by boxing them in wrapped newspaper. Keep in mind I'm not an authority on bananas. Learning with these guys here on this site, reading on the net and you tube have been very valuable along with the trial and error of growing these plants.
Denverian
11-11-2016, 12:34 PM
I finally cut the top off mine and dug it up yesterday. I also chopped down all my Elephant Ears and dug the bulbs up. So the p-stem and attached corm is sitting in the garage for now. So are the EE's. I let them dry out in the garage before bagging and storing them. I figured the same thing is fine for the banana?
We still haven't had a hard freeze. They're saying maybe a week from today we could have one. I had the time yesterday, so went ahead and took care of it all. All of the plants were growing. I had chopped down a lot of things a couple weeks ago, expecting it to freeze. But now I have perennials growing back all over. Crazy! And we haven't had a drop of rain for 40 days. I've been hand watering things (and the lawn) since I had the sprinklers blown out a couple weeks ago. I had to mow the lawn yesterday and it looks beautiful. We're getting close to breaking the record for the latest "first" snow ever. Fine by me, but it's too dry.
Eric1221
02-22-2017, 10:34 AM
I think I understand what you are saying. My bubble wrap did protected the plant, however, there was a ton of moisture build up on the plant so when it was time to uncover the plant it was a sloppy mess. The plant did recover and grew a good fifteen feet tall.
So your plant still grew 15 feet tall despite the entire stalk dying back to the ground? How old is your plant?
Eric1221
02-22-2017, 10:38 AM
Mary, there are two types of pups. Sword Suckers that have thin leafs, that look like swords and grow with the plant. Water Suckers have broader leafs. They grow slower and live off the corm. They are good to transplant. You can do that by making a cut at 45 degrees towards what you assume is the center of the corm and dig it up. This way the water sucker gets plenty of corm and becomes its own plant. To insure you got enough of the corm you should see the stringy looking roots and a couple of those will work. The mother plant will prosper without the drain it was getting from the Water Sucker and grow better. The Sword suckers I leave with the mother plant. They are makes the plant broader. My question is what are you doing to winterize your bananas? Digging them up, bagging them, mulching? If your neighbors wants a plant to grow over the winter at Water Sucker will make a great plant as long it gets good sunlight. Otherwise if you dig them up you would need to put them to rest by boxing them in wrapped newspaper. Keep in mind I'm not an authority on bananas. Learning with these guys here on this site, reading on the net and you tube have been very valuable along with the trial and error of growing these plants.
Thank you for writing this.. I was wondering how and when to start removing babies from my plant. It was the first year but at the end of the growing season I started seeing little shoots poking out from the base. I want to transplant them to different places in the yard. Thank you again for writing this detailed message. Helps a lot. :woohoonaner:
Tytaylor77
02-22-2017, 08:49 PM
I always wait till they are over 1' of stem universally speaking. Ive removed tiny nubs and 7' tall namwa pups so just about any size is possible. However over 1' they normally have a few roots of their own. 2-3' is perfect for most varieties including basjoo. Tall namwa I've dug 3' pups with no roots and truly tiny I've dug 3" inchers with lots of roots.
MBindy2000
04-07-2017, 07:59 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=61347&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=61347)
:08:
I just happen to notice this pleasant surprise this morning. Spring has definitely has sprung in Indiana. I'm also going to say that mulching and tons of it is the way to winterize bananas too. All I will have to do is spread the mulch and I'll be done. No big mess the clean up doing the bag/straw which is a good idea, but the proof is in the picture. On the other side of the mound is two other pups so all together there is four. I have five other mounds that have bananas under them. I didn't see any growth but didn't give them a close looking over.
Now our winter was pretty mild. My wife jokes about global warming, she might be right. Anyway, With Indiana weather its still early for planting things, but wonder when should I uncover the mulch? We are suppose to have nice weather all the way until easter. But rule of thumb is to never plant anything until mothers day. I know I'm not planting anything because its already planted and think I could uncover the mulch to let the plants grow and then protect them if a frost were to happen.
So from the experts should I uncover the mulch or just leave them mulched?
Denverian
04-07-2017, 11:03 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=61347&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=61347)
:08:
I just happen to notice this pleasant surprise this morning. Spring has definitely has sprung in Indiana. I'm also going to say that mulching and tons of it is the way to winterize bananas too. All I will have to do is spread the mulch and I'll be done. No big mess the clean up doing the bag/straw which is a good idea, but the proof is in the picture. On the other side of the mound is two other pups so all together there is four. I have five other mounds that have bananas under them. I didn't see any growth but didn't give them a close looking over.
Now our winter was pretty mild. My wife jokes about global warming, she might be right. Anyway, With Indiana weather its still early for planting things, but wonder when should I uncover the mulch? We are suppose to have nice weather all the way until easter. But rule of thumb is to never plant anything until mothers day. I know I'm not planting anything because its already planted and think I could uncover the mulch to let the plants grow and then protect them if a frost were to happen.
So from the experts should I uncover the mulch or just leave them mulched?
While I brought in my big p-stem and am now attempting to revive it in a pot, I did mulch and cover the old plant that should come back from the ground. I haven't uncovered it yet, but it's been a warm/early spring in Denver too. I could probably uncover mine as well and just protect if a hard freeze occurs.
I also left one elephant ear clump in the ground with heavy mulch. It's near the house, and noticed a neighbor had some of them come back that were in a similar position.
john_ny
04-07-2017, 07:29 PM
We have a local Botanical Garden that had a mat of Basjoo that they decided to move. Some of the residues that were left grew again the next year, and have continued in years hence.
cincinnana
04-11-2017, 06:57 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=61347&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=61347)
:08:
I just happen to notice this pleasant surprise this morning. Spring has definitely has sprung in Indiana. I'm also going to say that mulching and tons of it is the way to winterize bananas too. All I will have to do is spread the mulch and I'll be done. No big mess the clean up doing the bag/straw which is a good idea, but the proof is in the picture. On the other side of the mound is two other pups so all together there is four. I have five other mounds that have bananas under them. I didn't see any growth but didn't give them a close looking over.
Now our winter was pretty mild. My wife jokes about global warming, she might be right. Anyway, With Indiana weather its still early for planting things, but wonder when should I uncover the mulch? We are suppose to have nice weather all the way until easter. But rule of thumb is to never plant anything until mothers day. I know I'm not planting anything because its already planted and think I could uncover the mulch to let the plants grow and then protect them if a frost were to happen.
So from the experts should I uncover the mulch or just leave them mulched?
Looking mighty fine up there in Indy.. Mbindy.
I have a few peeking too, won't be long.
MBindy2000
04-11-2017, 07:58 AM
Looking mighty fine up there in Indy.. Mbindy.
I have a few peeking too, won't be long.
The extended forecast appears to be favorable, so this plant and the nearby others have started coming back to life. Loving it :08:
geissene
04-11-2017, 09:30 AM
My basjoo stumps are also growing in PA. I had some plants covered with a 1' pile of leaves and they are doing fine. Winter wasn't too harsh here.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=61350&ppuser=17582><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=61350&size=1 border=0></a>
Erik
MBindy2000
04-12-2017, 07:14 AM
My basjoo stumps are also growing in PA. I had some plants covered with a 1' pile of leaves and they are doing fine. Winter wasn't too harsh here.
<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=61350&ppuser=17582><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=61350&size=1 border=0></a>
Erik
Looks great Erik! Its amazing since I uncovered my plants its appears they have started growing by the minute. My biggest stump has evolved to nearly a foot high since Sunday. We got rain on Monday which probably helped and bright sunshine yesterday, although, it was chilly(low 60s).
MBindy2000
04-16-2017, 08:15 AM
After working the yard yesterday I noticed that four of my Musa Basjoos are happily growing. I even transplanted one to another part of the yard. I have three other types of banana. Icecream(I think its called) I got it down in Florida. The other two are a Red Banana and what I grew from seeds called Giant Nepal have no sign of new life. Their stumps are a soggy mess with no new little shoots. I've left them in the ground for a wait and see. All I could think is the three aren't cold hardy. We'll see
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