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jengberg
06-23-2018, 07:50 AM
Hey guys, new to bananas.org. I would like to say that it's refreshing to see a forum that doesn't consist of a bunch of people arguing and being rude to each other. Have'nt seen much of that on here.

I live in Houston and my banana trees produce small green bananas most years, but it gets cold before they have ripened. Is it okay to pick bananas right before the cold weather sets even if it's not ripe? Will they still taste already if picked premature?

I do not know what kind of banana tree I have, it's been back there for 29 years. I'm not even sure if the bananas are be from a variety that tastes good raw, which is what I would prefer. I have ordered 5 different banana tree species online after doing some research.

hdynad
06-23-2018, 02:01 PM
Hey guys, new to bananas.org. I would like to say that it's refreshing to see a forum that doesn't consist of a bunch of people arguing and being rude to each other. Have'nt seen much of that on here.

I live in Houston and my banana trees produce small green bananas most years, but it gets cold before they have ripened. Is it okay to pick bananas right before the cold weather sets even if it's not ripe? Will they still taste already if picked premature?

I do not know what kind of banana tree I have, it's been back there for 29 years. I'm not even sure if the bananas are be from a variety that tastes good raw, which is what I would prefer. I have ordered 5 different banana tree species online after doing some research.


Welcome neighbor, i am just north of Houston Up in Montgomery close to Lake Conroe.

you will love it her on the org. you have never meet a more nicer and knowledgeable bunch of people!

happy growing,

Darla

sputinc7
06-23-2018, 03:42 PM
I would try cutting the bunch and hanging it inside to ripen.. Find out if they will... When it's about to freeze, cut it and bring it in.
Right now, though,fertilize it well (Nitrogen and potassium mostly) and keep it watered so it can grow as fast as it can. Once it flowers feed it plenty of muriate of potash to help them fill as fast as possible.
Like Ty says, bananas have a vegetative state to get thru before the fruiting state comes, the faster you go thru the first, the more time you have for the 2nd.
Also, get some faster fruiting types. (shorter cycle)

jengberg
06-25-2018, 07:38 AM
Okay thanks, sounds like a good plan. I have palmgain fertilizer which is 8-2-12. Seems like the right ratio. I think I will also mix in some nitrogen and potash keeping the same ratio of 1 to 1.5 nitrogen to potassium. The soil I am going to plant the new plants in is 2 parts manure 2 parts top soil 1 part sand. If you see something I need to change in the above plan please let me know!:lurk:

sputinc7
06-25-2018, 12:24 PM
Only 2 things I can think of... Make it 3 parts sand instead of 1 part, you'll thank me later and check if the potassium is from muriate or sulfate of potash... I find sulfate causes my plants to stop growing for a time so I cannot use it. I have heard others say the same, but some others use SOP and have no problems... Just a warning so you don't post in a couple weeks how your plants suddenly stopped growing... At least you'll know why if they do.

With the manure in the mix, go easy on fertilizer for a few weeks at first, too.

jengberg
06-25-2018, 12:50 PM
3 parts of sand it is, I will give it a try. I read some posts on here from Richard I believe. He said to be careful with muriate of potash as some have high levels of chlorine. I cannot find chlorine listed in any of the bags I've found online, although this does not mean it's not in there and not listed.

Tytaylor77
06-26-2018, 02:05 AM
I have always used murate of potash and have great results. It does have some chloride. Not chlorine in it and I’ve read a few studies that show plants love it but I have also read reports saying it can build up in some soils. I have sand that gets flushed out a lot. If you live in an area with lots of clay or mucky dirt you may wanna switch it up. I’ve never used SOP here due to it having Sulfer which changes my PH the wrong way!

So I think ether can be bad or good depending on your soil and PH! Just research what’s best for your area. It took me awhile to figure out what is best for me! And I even feed +/- depending on the variety! So just always start with small doses and experiment to find out what is best for you!

Richard is the expert and hopefully he can explain or clear it all up! I’m sure you can look at his older posts and find lots of info!