Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Hi everyone,

Last fall, I had velutina plants approaching 3' tall and I kept them overwintered outdoors. They were covered in a pile of leaves. In the spring time, the main p-stems were still solid but they never started to re-grow.

So I was wondering do velutina p-stems recover just like basjoo does in spring time?
Has anyone gotten velutina to flower in Zone 6 or colder?
Any suggestions on how to do it, perhaps grow them indoors to get a head start on summer?

Thanks!

Erik

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

My understanding is Velutina is not cold hardy in zone 6. You'll need to overwinter it indoors away from freezing temperatures.

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Yes, I thought so as well but I it wasn't practical to save every plant from winter so I kept them outside. They were under a large uhaul box that was full of leaves. This spring the corms sent up new pups. We did have a fairly mild winter compared to the last few so maybe I got lucky for zone 6.

It would be nice if I could find the minimum effort method to make them flower. :08:

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Excellent :)

In my experience, trying to force blooming (e.g., with phosphate) leads to poor results with bananas. Specifically, the bloom is underdeveloped and the plant also has signs of stress.

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Just to let you know, I have gotten Velutinas, Ornatas, DC, and various mystery varieties to bloom here in Zone 6, so I hope that sends you some encouragement. However, I DO bring them in every year. All go in my basement with the large p-stems cut back and left to go dormant while the smaller plants are potted and left actively growing. Some bloomed very shortly after putting back out in spring. Sending best wishes for blooms for you next year!

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

my velutinas come back and flower reliably in zone7 and even have ripe fruit by 1st of September on some with no care at all however age of the plant has a bearing
on how well they survive plants started early in the spring almost always survive winter with plants started in late July early august its some what iffy planting depth seems to be a variable also as does soil type well drained does better possabally a well protected corm (mulched good and kept dry with a sheet of polly might survive winter chances will improve the next year with a well established mini mat no harm in trying

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

hey Richard do you have any more info on forcing early blooming with phosphate ?I haven't heard of this method I have tried calcium carbide in the crown with no success on bananas works for pineapple though folks in cold climates are forced to use extreme methods thats why I am pro global warming ha ha I have noticed high levels on nitrogen seems to inducing more puping in some bananas

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Look at the main ingredient in every bloom formula on the market.

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Thanks everyone for the information! That is encouraging to know that others are having good luck.

My biggest plants are about 28" tall right now so I will bring a few inside and leave a few outside since I have some extras. Hopefully I can get a flower next year without cheating with extra fertilizer components....


Erik

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Bananas will grow from pup to flowering in 6 to 9 months in the tropics. Here in southern CA the winter cool causes some dormancy so we typically see 1.5 to 2.5 years. I believe the typical experience for folks here that overwinter as dormant bulbs indoors in your climate is 3-5 years. Perhaps Annie6078OH can provide a reality check ...

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)
 

Ammonium phosphate I presume would work just add it to my 30-0-30 I mix up for nanars
in my case early bloom is worth the sacrifice of diminished vigor 30 days can make a huge difference hm I just realised I was hijacking this thread I quit with appoliges

Re: Getting Velutina to flower (zone 6)