Log in

View Full Version : Growing bananas in NJ


DR
03-20-2009, 03:15 PM
I am looking for spp. or variety info for NJ. I have a greenhouse for overwintering. If anyone can help me learn more about ornamental or fruiting types I can grow in zone 7. Also reputable sources for corms or plants. Thanks for your knowledge and help.

turtile
03-20-2009, 04:20 PM
Where in NJ do you live? Triple Oaks Nursery in Franklinville has many different types of bananas. You may also find bananas at Home Depot. I'm not sure about NJ but the one in Dover and Rehoboth Beach, DE sell them.

Musa basjoo is the hardiest. You can leave it outside all winter without any problems.

DR
03-20-2009, 05:20 PM
Thank you for the info Turtile. I am located in Brick. It is central coastal NJ. I will try Triple Oaks. I am in your zone, Musa basjoo will survive out of of the house in the winter? The corms can be left in the ground in our zone?
Thanks Again DR

Bob
03-20-2009, 05:24 PM
You Can't Grow Them Here!

Bob
03-20-2009, 05:35 PM
Sorry ............had to say it! What exactly do you want? Ornamental , edible , reliably hardy? Brick Twp is pretty big and has a wide variety of conditions. Since you have a greenhouse I'm guessing some of all the above. If I were you I'd consider some of the dwarf varieties, and make a decision based on what you'd like. People here will be willing to help if you need it. banana-tree.com is in Easton and reliable.

Michael_Andrew
03-20-2009, 08:27 PM
But to answer your question. Yes basjoo can survive zone 7 winters with protection in the ground outside. You can find info here that explains protection methods.

Here is a good thread to start with:
http://www.bananas.org/f15/time-put-bananas-sleep-winter-310.html

Since you have a greenhouse you can grow many other varieties that can be brought in to protect from the cold. I haven't had experience with them but the orinoco over winter well. My Dwarf Cavandish brought inside have done well this year as has my Super Dwarf Cavandish.



Michael

austinl01
03-20-2009, 09:36 PM
Triple Oaks is great. Joe Keifer is the owner. He has some really, really cool musella lasiocarpa. I had him send me one a few years ago. Very great variety that they have.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12727&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12727)