Mathis
04-28-2009, 11:01 AM
Hello there, I'm a new member to the site and I have a few questions for all you expert banana growers out there. I've become interested in growing a single banana plant and would like your advice on the best type of corm or seeds to get, where/how to get them, and general advice on growing a banana plant in zone 6-7.
First of all, I really would like to grow a plantain plant. However, after doing some internet sleuthing, I'm more confused than ever. There seem to be a large variety of cultivars, and I'm not sure which one to get. Also, some sellers sell a small plant (which I would prefer to buy) and some sell seeds (does this even work?). I like plantains that get nice and ripe, fry them up maduro style, and eat them as a tasty snack. Anything that most closely resembles what I get in the grocery store and/or at Cuban restaurants is what I would hopefully like to grow.
Second of all, because I'll be bringing the plant indoors in the winter, I need a plant that is not too enormous. So, the ideal plant would be a dwarf sweet plantain.
Finally, what are some general tips for keeping a plantain plant alive and healthy in central Pennsylvania? I love the idea of growing a plantain plant that will eventually give me a couple of viable fruits a year, but I also just like the idea of proving that I can grow a banana plant in Pennsylvania!!
Any advice on where/how to purchase a corm, plant, or seeds is appreciated. Also, what variety? Musa acuminata (french horn), musa paradisiaca, dwarf varieties, etc.
Thanks so much for any advice you have for me!
First of all, I really would like to grow a plantain plant. However, after doing some internet sleuthing, I'm more confused than ever. There seem to be a large variety of cultivars, and I'm not sure which one to get. Also, some sellers sell a small plant (which I would prefer to buy) and some sell seeds (does this even work?). I like plantains that get nice and ripe, fry them up maduro style, and eat them as a tasty snack. Anything that most closely resembles what I get in the grocery store and/or at Cuban restaurants is what I would hopefully like to grow.
Second of all, because I'll be bringing the plant indoors in the winter, I need a plant that is not too enormous. So, the ideal plant would be a dwarf sweet plantain.
Finally, what are some general tips for keeping a plantain plant alive and healthy in central Pennsylvania? I love the idea of growing a plantain plant that will eventually give me a couple of viable fruits a year, but I also just like the idea of proving that I can grow a banana plant in Pennsylvania!!
Any advice on where/how to purchase a corm, plant, or seeds is appreciated. Also, what variety? Musa acuminata (french horn), musa paradisiaca, dwarf varieties, etc.
Thanks so much for any advice you have for me!