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View Full Version : Hello from a Banana Newbie


hilashes
10-10-2008, 02:57 PM
Hi there! I'm new to this site and also a banana newbie. I planted my first Musa Basjoo at the end of July this year - 2 ft. tall and since has grown about 12 fast growing pups. I've done tons of research to learn how to care for this beautiful plant which has led me to this site. Glad to be here for guidance and more knowledge as well as inspiration for my landscape! I do have one question if anyone would like to give their suggestions. I'm in zone 8a and would like to know how to overwinter the banana plant. I'm going to buy a jacket for it sold at our local nursery. It's got some brown spots on it which I've learned could indicate a lack of potassium. Last month I threw on some 0-0-50 fertilizer as I was instructed to do by the nursery. It's still spotty. Do I just leave it until the spring or does it need another dose before frost? I heard there's a rule not to fertilize after August. Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

Richard
10-10-2008, 03:20 PM
Hmm ... 0-0-50 sounds like Potassium Chloride, which as the name indicates contains chlorine -- a substance the plant only likes in very tiny quantities. Also this compound is 50% potassium by weight, so 1 pound of it contains 1/2 pound of potassium -- an entire year's dosage for a 1-meter or taller ornamental banana plant. However, the plant also needs potassium going into the winter so you did great on that account! :D The bottom line is that I would not feed a banana plant more than 1/2 cup of potassium chloride per year. Next fall, consider a winterizing formula like 10-20-30.

Bananas in Vancouver!

:woohoonaner:

hilashes
10-10-2008, 04:04 PM
Hey thanks so much Richard! Very helpful indeed!

From the Canadian Banana Belt

mike
10-10-2008, 05:27 PM
Welcome hilashes

lt_eggbeater
10-10-2008, 05:58 PM
welcome... Have fun.

saltydad
10-10-2008, 09:24 PM
Welcome to the group. You'll love us :-)

capthof
10-10-2008, 10:13 PM
There are great people here; you will learn a lot!

hilashes
10-10-2008, 10:34 PM
Thanks for all your warm welcomes!

Tog Tan
10-11-2008, 06:07 AM
Welcome hilashes, to the world of 'nana lovers! You will love it here.

lorax
10-11-2008, 10:14 AM
Welcome aboard! You should realize, though, that you won't be able to stop with just one banana....