View Full Version : Total Noob in Northern California
shirauo
04-05-2009, 01:35 AM
Sometimes I feel like I can barely keep any plants alive-- let alone tropical plants that you could argue have no place in an area with frost & drought. But here I am, with 2 Dwarf Orinocos I stumbled across at a local plant sale. Golly, I dunno where to begin!
I don't know where to plant them- I've figured out the part about avocado/citrus fertilizer, but am trying to figure out a sunny, sheltered, warm place for them to grow. ANd I've just realized that they will be spreading.. maybe I shouldn't have gotten 2... But then again- wouldn't it just be so awesome to actually grow our own bananas?!?!?! Near San Francisco? Madness... pure madness.
Excited to find this group-- I look forward to sponging up all the info I can about Nanas!
Cheers,
Lenore in Santa Clara
chong
04-05-2009, 02:15 AM
Welcome Lenore!
You picked a great one for your area. Dwarf Orinoco has survived winters in a cool greenhouse in Seattle, WA for me. However, I have not had any fruits yet. Keeping them alive is enough challenge for me so far, but now that they are growing faster, I am hopeful that they can fruit in a couple of seasons. Your D. Orinocos should do a lot better where you are. If you can keep them in an area with good drainage, lots of sun, ample water, and fertilizer, you should have some fruits within a couple of seasons, too.
Chong
chong
04-05-2009, 02:22 AM
Oh, and don't worry about their spreading. They grow fast, but not like Sumac! Just plant them about 10 feet apart. You can keep 2-3 pups with the mother plant, and dig out the rest to sell or give to friends if you think they are getting too thick. The mother plant will die after it bears fruit. So, when the fruits are near ripe, and you want to cut the fruit bunch down, you can just cut the mother plant down to harvest the fruits. Just make sure that you support the bunch to keep it from crashing down when you cut the plant.
Welcome Lenore. You've made a great first choice of bananas. Plenty of info and people to help if you need it here. Good luck with them.
Tog Tan
04-05-2009, 10:32 AM
Hiya Lenore and welcome to the board! :goteam: Great to have you join us and do keep us posted of your progress with your 'naners. All the best.
lorax
04-05-2009, 10:45 AM
Welcome aboard! In my experience DW Orinocos are very easy bananas to grow and care for. Best of luck in your upcoming season!
buzzwinder
04-05-2009, 11:03 AM
Welcome to the Org. Lenore, :bananas_b
Caloosamusa
04-05-2009, 12:07 PM
Welcome to the organization Lenore! I hope your efforts are successful!
Best wishes!
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