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Simply Bananas
08-05-2009, 03:54 AM
Nearly one year ago I posted this pic in my gallery of an Orinoco that was super small and only had male flowers.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12192&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12192&perpage=24&sort=1&ppuser=226)

To the right of the flower above is the p-stem which is blooming this year.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20501&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20501&ppuser=226)

This plant struggled to "get up" this spring after the winter. So far there are 3 fingers.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20502&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20502&ppuser=226)

Both plants bloomed at nearly the same height.

sbl
08-05-2009, 07:56 AM
Do you think you have a mutation that is a new dwarf? Do you think it might be more productive if pushed a little more? How cold hardy i it?

Simply Bananas
08-05-2009, 08:05 AM
I think this is a symptom of too much cold. As you can see, the one just "growing" and not fruiting are robust.

I am just amazed that they will fruit under these conditions.

island cassie
08-05-2009, 08:51 AM
I see where you cut it down to take it in for the winter - would it be possible to leave it a bit taller, or pot it indoors in the spring to give it a head start? Congratulations on getting some fruit and you will have to support it really well now.

Simply Bananas
08-05-2009, 08:58 AM
I only cut it when it showed no growth after the winter. I also cut it in increments of 5-6 inches. The orinocos here were late to start growing for some reason as usually they are one of the first. Ice Creams-Raja Puris Sabas et al were way ahead of the orinocos

A lady at the Charleston Farmer's Market told me her ex-husband would kick the banana stumps in March, to 'wake them up'. Then she chuckled, and said that he was also a drunk.

I'm going to kick them next spring and then have a drink.

island cassie
08-05-2009, 09:04 AM
Haha! Whatever works for you! Definitely worth a try!