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View Full Version : Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch


JCDerrick
09-02-2009, 04:56 PM
It only took four years, but I finally got my first bloom from one of my Cavendish plants. I am still assuming this is a Dwarf Cavendish and not a 'Truly Tiny' - but I honestly am not sure.

My question is about when I can take the bunch off the stem. It started blooming in mid-August and our first frost here is going to be around Halloween. I am not sure what time it takes for the bananas to ripen on the stem, or if/when I cut it how long it would take for them to ripen that way. I assume I can cut the bunch at some point and hang it up in the shower or something.

Any help would be most appreciated. I've really missed being on the forums this year; real life has just kept me so incredibly busy.

Thanks,
John

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22096&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22096)

JCDerrick
09-02-2009, 05:06 PM
One other question while I'm thinking about it. The last few years I've had these DC's I've always dug them up for the winter. They are getting awfully big now and I am curious if they'd possibly survive my winter here? I know it's border line, so I'd at least split a pup off before trying it. Any thoughts on their chances here?

enigma99a
09-02-2009, 05:17 PM
I hope that the first frost comes late for you this year. Usually takes around 6 months to ripen on the plant, even 3 months would be nice before you cut it off.. Perhaps you can protect it long enough to cut it. Anyone else have input?

ArchAngeL01
09-02-2009, 05:20 PM
WoW~ the first dc i seen bloom so far~ great job! sorry i dont know about the fruit though

enigma99a
09-02-2009, 05:21 PM
One other question while I'm thinking about it. The last few years I've had these DC's I've always dug them up for the winter. They are getting awfully big now and I am curious if they'd possibly survive my winter here? I know it's border line, so I'd at least split a pup off before trying it. Any thoughts on their chances here?

DCs are total wimps. Even I have trouble with them when it gets to 29/30 with frost cover. Had a couple survive the cold only to die to rotting from cool rain over a month period (although always above 35F).

sirmoebly
09-02-2009, 07:32 PM
It takes 6 months to ripen for a dc?????

damaclese
09-02-2009, 07:55 PM
i was under the impression 3 months to ripen there faster then most

sirmoebly
09-02-2009, 09:03 PM
Thank you I feel much better now:goteam:.........

enigma99a
09-03-2009, 03:31 AM
Per the comment below, maybe it DOES take 6 months. But regardless, it will be good when it's done!

jen
09-03-2009, 07:51 AM
The lady across the street has a DC and it took hers a FULL 6 months but they were so good when finally ready.

That is a beautiful picture. Good luck!

Jen

sirmoebly
09-03-2009, 08:37 PM
not if you live in zone six!!!!!

JCDerrick
09-04-2009, 11:55 AM
Six months? Holy cow... I might have to try and dig it up then for the winter and just pray that doesn't disturb it too much. At least then it could continue development in my garage under the halides - though that's a drastic reduction in light.

Anyone think that'll work? Or would I be better just protecting it from early frosts and then cutting the bunch off before the first bad freeze? Last year that came early in a VERY cold November for us.

Ultimately it sounds like I'm gonna need to split pups if I want DC's next year regardless - I doubt they'll survive our winter here if they are big cold wimps. Despite their short heights, I love the huge leaves, so I'd hate not to have them.

capthof
09-04-2009, 12:31 PM
My mahoi, which is a form of Cavendish, takes 4 months to fully ripen.
Sometimes longer in cooler weather.
The good news is that if you can get the fruit to fatten up a little it can ripen and taste just fine even if not fully developed.
Good Luck!

r3tic
09-04-2009, 01:56 PM
I would leave it in the ground as long as possible then dig it up and bring it in. No need to disturb it before you have to. Keep up posted on what you do and include lots of pics please.

enigma99a
09-04-2009, 04:04 PM
I would leave it in the ground as long as possible then dig it up and bring it in. No need to disturb it before you have to. Keep up posted on what you do and include lots of pics please.

Yes this is the best thing to do. Even in zone 9a, I think the plant will be roasted. Corm would probably survive but that's not what you want:) Good luck with your project!

jack hagenaars
09-05-2009, 11:41 AM
What about leaving it in the ground,and building a plastic cover over it until the bananas are ripe enough to be picked....

momoese
09-05-2009, 11:59 AM
Ripening time depends on location and temperature. In my yard everything takes at least 6 months, including Dwarf Cavendish.

I'd say if they are not plump before the first frost is predicted you should cover them with a makeshift greenhouse, and add a heat matt or x-mas lights to help keep the soil warm. They will ripen at pretty much any stage of development but flavor and texture will be better with some maturity.

Great picture btw!! :)

JCDerrick
09-05-2009, 01:06 PM
Thanks guys, maybe I can find a way to put a little GH over it or something - though it's pretty tight in with other plants, so I'll have to experiment with that space wise. Worst case I will dig it up at the last minute, and put it in a good size pot under the halides - there should be enough energy in the stem to produce the bananas that way... hopefully.

I will definitely keep you all posted - I suspect in future years I'll be doing this with the larger fruiting bananas too. Given how many of my basjoo finally bloomed this year, I am hoping the IC and/or Orinocos will bloom in the near year or two.

Nicolas Naranja
09-05-2009, 03:40 PM
My question is about when I can take the bunch off the stem.

I would leave it up for 1000 Celsius growing degree days if you could. I just had some of my Dwarf Cavendish plants throw bunches in mid-August and here in southern Florida it is not predicted to reach that until late October-mid November. Your best bet is probably to just take it off before that first frost and ripen them as long as they have plumped up a bit.

TommyMacLuckie
09-06-2009, 01:36 PM
9A is only a problem if it gets below 35. Sometimes it doesn't do that. Regardless, yeah, a temporary greenhouse cover would be good.

hammer
09-06-2009, 04:22 PM
john before it fruited did you notice if the top of the p stream was swollen.

fredos417
10-09-2009, 09:25 PM
I recently got one of these to help provide shade for an endless summer hydrangea.

I figured that I'd likely have to keep this tree in a pot and place it somewhere safe during the winter, but I'm reading some information now that states it might be safe just to put it in the ground, and heavily mulch to overwinter.

Everything I've read states that if I leave it in the pot, that a smaller pot is better than bigger. Smaller being 6-8" in diameter, which is what it came in from the store. I was thinking I'd at least half-bury the pot to help with moisture retention, and to discourage tip-over during wind storms. Tip over is likely though, since this fella could get 7-10' tall after a few seasons.

Does anyone here have experience with this particular variety, or banana plants in general?