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Nicwyn 06-05-2019 08:41 PM

Introduction and question all in one
 
Hello everyone my name is nick and I am a budding gardener with a little help. I am from Ohio zone 6a. I am new and I am not sure how to post yet so I will here please look past my Obtuseness. I am looking to grow a ice cream banana plant and I am getting a lot of conflicting info online. Some sites say it is hardy in my zone with good Insulation. Others say that I would need to pot or dig up and and cut to the ground for over wintering inside. I am completely ok with that if that is the route I will have to go. My question is though if I cut it to the ground every year will it ever actually produce fruit since it will be Essentially starting over again every year in the spring. Any info would be greatly appreciated appreciated thank you

Tytaylor77 06-05-2019 11:25 PM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Welcome Nick!

Blue java and namwa which is sold as “blue java/ice cream” are both very cold hardy. In your zone I’ve seen people plant them in the south side of a house and mulch them heavy. And they did survive. However exactly like you say, if you cut them to the ground you will never get fruit. A banana plant needs an average of 300-350 growth days to flower. Then another 60-120+ days to fill/ripen. So digging and storing dormant over winter would be your best option!

I would highly recommend dwarf Orinoco. It is the most cold hardy fruiting banana. Plus it only grows to 6’-7’. So it’s easy to handle. Some people store them dormant or even keep them as a house plant over winter. Then simply plant back after your last frost! In your zone getting fruit does require a bit of work and effort! But it for sure can be done!

Good luck! There is a lot of info on here to help you!
Ty

Nicwyn 06-05-2019 11:56 PM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Thank you for the welcome and the reply! Just so I fully understand does the time it’s dormant Count towards the days of growth? So say I put it in a garage or greenhouse slightly above freezing for the winter come spring would that all count as growth time? Thank you

Tytaylor77 06-06-2019 01:16 AM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
It takes both warmth and light to grow. So even in a heated greenhouse it may grow 1/4th speed or a little better. In a artificial lighted area it need ALOT of light $$$. So you may get a little time towards it but not much. The main thing is keeping it alive till spring.

cincinnana 06-06-2019 03:23 AM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Welcome to the Jungle...:woohoonaner:

Have fun here :08:

HMelendez 06-07-2019 05:29 AM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Welcome to the banana gang!......:2723::bananarow::2723:

edwmax 06-07-2019 06:18 AM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Welcome to the Bunch. ... !00% what Ty said! ... At 300 warm growing days equal 3 to 4 years growing time in your growing zone without a heated greenhouse. The likelihood of be successful is not good but possible.

Yug 06-07-2019 05:49 PM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Welcome! Ohio is warm enough, but is the season long enough?

For some types it may be better to start them indoors in a pot, and once it warms up, plant them outside.

cincinnana 06-08-2019 06:21 AM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicwyn (Post 324024)
Hello everyone my name is nick and I am a budding gardener with a little help. I am from Ohio zone 6a. I am new and I am not sure how to post yet so I will here please look past my Obtuseness. I am looking to grow a ice cream banana plant and I am getting a lot of conflicting info online. Some sites say it is hardy in my zone with good Insulation. Others say that I would need to pot or dig up and and cut to the ground for over wintering inside. I am completely ok with that if that is the route I will have to go. My question is though if I cut it to the ground every year will it ever actually produce fruit since it will be Essentially starting over again every year in the spring. Any info would be greatly appreciated appreciated thank you

The only plant for you is Musa Basjoo/Mekong Giant if you want to leave it in the ground year round.
Both plants are ornamental and will not give edible fruit in our short growing season.
Any other plant you choose will not survive inground during our winter months.
You can get the plant online or from forum members.

Any plant you choose expect it to mature enough to flower in 3-5 years in your zone.

Nicwyn 06-11-2019 09:12 PM

Re: Introduction and question all in one
 
Thanks everyone for the welcome and info I guess I will have to stick to the grocery store a a few years anyway


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