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wxman
06-10-2008, 08:54 PM
Here are today's pictures of one of my basjoo patches. In total I have 10 basjoo's and 2 dwarf cavendish in the ground. They really only started growing in the last week and a half because its been so cold here this spring in Wisconsin. Most days were in the 50s and 60s and nights in the 30s and 40s. I planted two of these in late April and two of these in middle of May. When I put them in the ground, all their existing leaves fried off due to I think a combination of sunburn and the chilly temperatures. They were just a pseudostem until a week and a half ago, then finally started to put out leaves. I was a little worried for awhile. I gave them each a 1/2 cup of milorganite two weeks ago and then did the same tonight. How tall can I expect these to get this summer in Wisconsin? Our first frost/freeze won't be until the middle of October or later.

Shot of entire patch:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/wxman81/banana%20plants/IMG_0240.jpg

Shots of each basjoo:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/wxman81/banana%20plants/IMG_0241.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/wxman81/banana%20plants/IMG_0242.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/wxman81/banana%20plants/IMG_0243.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/wxman81/banana%20plants/IMG_0244.jpg

Closeup of one of the basjoo's:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/wxman81/banana%20plants/IMG_0245.jpg

I'm still hoping I can get several feet out of them yet.

Taylor
06-10-2008, 09:05 PM
Wow, they will do great for you this season.

As for expected height, I have no idea, but I would guess anywhere from 4-6 feet, or more, depending on how much you fertilize and water.

hydrojeff
06-11-2008, 05:40 AM
looks like a oak tree right next to them? are they shaded at all? they will probably do better in full sun, the tree will help in the winter to keep snow and ice off but would like full sun better i think?

dablo93
06-11-2008, 09:48 AM
when they are growing in full sun, with lots of water and fertilize they can reach the 2 meter(the basjoos)

Rtbeebe
06-11-2008, 01:36 PM
You live in Wisconsin and are going to grow them in the ground? Do you plan on digging them up for the winter? I live in Kentucky and wouldn't think about trying to permanently plant a banana. I keep mine in pots so I can lunk those big son-of-a-guns indoors before the cold weather gets them.

wxman
06-11-2008, 04:34 PM
It's a basjoo and will be heavily mulched. It will be fine.

mskitty38583
06-11-2008, 11:02 PM
you might want to do what sandy does in the winter time....she uses bags of leaves around the trees and then she tarps them. i cant remember the thread but you can look in the archives she has a diagrahm of how she did hers. thats what im doing this winter.

Rtbeebe
06-12-2008, 07:09 AM
Okay you have convinced me to try. I only have the mother, last years pup and this years pup so I'll wait until i have a couple more before jumping off the deep end.