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bananajim
05-28-2017, 03:18 PM
Hi, this is my first post, I live in Tucson and am new to the banana growing world. My wife just bought me two red maurelii plants and she was told by the lowes plant "expert" that these were fruit producing plants you can eat. I checked and it seems that the fruit is not edible and the natives eat the roots. I am going to return them and get some that actually produce edible bananas. Any suggestions as to what plants would do well in Tucson? thanks!
scottu
05-28-2017, 08:20 PM
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' - Bananas Wiki (http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Ensete_ventricosum_%27Maurelii%27)
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' - Plant Finder (http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c542)
Mudturkle
05-28-2017, 11:39 PM
You must be in plant zone 8B or 9A. I would say that you can grow Dwarf Orinoco bananas with very little worries and they will fruit if there is a mild winter. If you are 8B (like where our house is) then you may want a winter protection strategy in which you take pups inside for winter as insurance against a colder than normal winter. Also you may need to make a mini-greenhouse out of plastic to protect bananas trying to fruit just as winter is about to start. As for as other bananas, check published banana cold hardiness lists for bananas rated similar to Orinoco. Then get brave and try to grow them all, like some of us. :)
HMelendez
05-29-2017, 05:36 AM
Welcome to the banana gang!......:2723::bananarow::2723:
edwmax
05-29-2017, 09:42 AM
Welcome to the Bunch. ... Your in USDA grow zone 9B. Many banana cultivars should grow well in your area. I would look for plants hardy to zone 8 to grow as first plants.
sputinc7
05-29-2017, 09:58 AM
Brazilian, Namwah, sh-3640 should do well there in all but the coldest winters. Orinoco, too but it is more of a cooking banana so I usually don't count it. I like the sweet ones. :D
bananajim
05-29-2017, 05:22 PM
Hello to all of you, I never expected such a warm welcome! I also really appreciate all the great information, I now know something about what I want to do. Thanks!
edwmax
05-29-2017, 08:25 PM
I believe the problems you will encounter growing bananas are low humidity, high heat, and lack of rain. ... Bananas like and need lots of water, high humidity and temperatures in the mid 80's F. There are some forum members in Arizona growing bananas, so it is doable.
This pdf guide will give you an idea of the needs for growing bananas. HS10/MG040: Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg040)
Snarkie
06-14-2017, 11:00 AM
Hi Jim-
Welcome aboard the Banana Express! :nanerwaveytrain:
Snarkie
06-26-2017, 11:57 AM
Love Tucson! Pima and Maricopa Counties are some of the most scenic in the world. Pistol Hill Rd. is amazing to ride on a motorcycle. :08:
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