Russell Fransham
 

Hi everybody. I'm a nurseryman at Matapouri Bay near Whangarei in Northern NZ specialising in growing subtropical plants (Home Russell Fransham Subtropicals) including quite a few different edible and ornamental varieties.
We find a surprising number of edible bananas thrive here and produce very well although many others are too tender for our relatively cool Winters. Always interested in new info on the subject.
Looking forward to reading whats going on elsewhere in the banana world.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Hello & Welcome Russell From the Sportsman's Paradise.. :^) Nice plant list :^)

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Welcome Russ

Would you know anything about this banana .

Misi Luki - An improved ladies finger type from Samoa, sold by Landsendt Nursery as a good banana for Auckland. Landsendt have a small commercial plantation of this cultivar. Reliable. Recommended. AAB.Musa sapientum - Misi Luki

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Welcome aboard

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Welcome to the site Russell! I'm sure you'll enjoy it here and learn a lot. If you ever have questions, don't be shy...feel free to ask.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Hi Sunfish. Thanks for the welcome.
Yes I've grown Misi Luki for many years here and it is one of the best performers in cool climate conditions. Big bunches (13 hands) and up to 200 to 220 fingers. Creamy flavour, dense and smooth.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Welcome from California happy you found us

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Thanks

There is a banana sold in the USA as Misi Luki. I was wondering if this is the same as the Misi Luki you have grown.

http://www.bananas.org/f12/misi-luki...ight=misi+luki

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Thanks Greg. This sure is a lively bunch 'a bananas already!
I lived in LA for a year with time both North and South (into Mexico).. loved the mellow climate. It started me on the subtropical kick that I've followed for 35 years. Fond memories of warm people and warm winters.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Hi Russ; glad you found us. Kindred spirits should always hang together. Welcome from the beautiful state of Maryland.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Hey Saltydad, thanks for the welcome. I'm enjoying the lively interaction with other banana people. and amazed at the commitment and success many of you have to growing such tropical plants so far from the tropics. I thought I was pushing the climate boundaries growing and fruiting bananas here but many of you guys are dealing with seriously cold Winters. I think I'm dying if the temperature gets to zero degrees celsius here!

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Russ.

Welcome from San Antonio, Texas!

Dave

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Hi Dave and thanks for your welcome. I bet you are hot and steamy right now in your neck of the woods. Winter is here and its pouring rain and about ten degrees and the fire making the house cosy. Bananas not happy but still green and lush. Picked a bunch last week of Australian Ladyfinger and they're ripening indoors. Delicious reminder of Summer.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Welcome to the site! It sounds like you have a ton of great information to add! You're picking bananas indoors? Incredible!

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Hey Cory. Good to hear from you. The bananas are all growing outdoors but when the first few fruit turn yellow we cut the bunch and hang it indoors to ripen, partly because the birds and rats would eat them if left outside but also because the added warmth speeds up the ripening. Sometimes too fast and we have more ripe fruit than a family can handle.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

Welcome to the org, Russ. Nice site, I always wanted to visit New Zealand.

Re: Russell Fransham
 

I just bookmarked your site. I didn't know you lived in... Heaven?! That's one beautiful location! If I'm ever lucky enough to get bananas I'll definitely try that method out. We have billions of birds in our neighborhood.