AlBanaan

Hi! I inherited some banana plants when I moved into my house a couple years ago. I have noticed that a couple of the plants have just started flowering which I wasn’t expecting. One flower bud has fully emerged and another I can see the tip just emerging.

Unfortunately I’m assuming this is not a good time, with the weather only getting colder now, and I heard it takes a few months for the flower and fruit to develop fully.

Is there anything I can do with these flowers or should I just assume they are wasted? Will the plant die off even if the flower doesn’t fruit? If the flowers die off, would the plant potentially flower next year (hopefully much earlier)?

The plants are in London in a fairly sheltered garden, and winters do seem to be milder these days. However, we do get plenty of frost and the occasional snow fall. Normally I cut the leaves back and wrap the stems up for winter, but I guess that would mean cutting the flowers off too.

Can anyone advise on the best course of action?

Thanks!

Kingt82

They won't make it through winter but you can wrap the stalk and give it a shot. You may or may not have an edible type banana. Will need pictures to verify.

cincinnana

End of season flowering is unfortunate because the plant never gets to finish the process.
Like the previous post says give it a shot.
Hopefully you have some pups to carry on next year and flower 4 months early.

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AlBanaan

Thanks for replies kingt82 and cincinnana.

When you say give it a shot, I can wrap the stems but should I wrap the flower too? Normally I would remove all the leaves to wrap them.

Not holding out much hope, but can try. And hopefully flowers next year!