Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Here is my California Gold, still alive. Finally have some warm weather here in Massachusetts and it's starting to wake up and push out leaves. The one in the barrel is from ediblelandscaping. I planted the large one in the garden about 3 weeks ago and we then had a couple of weeks of cold rainy days. It's started to push out a leaf too. I had it stored in the cellar with just the root ball. I had some others that rotted back down to the corm so they start over but this one survived intact. Looking forward to seeing what the 3 months of summer will produce from this starting point. I ordered from willisorchard before I knew better. They were suppose to be misi luki, ice cream and Raja Puri

California Gold on the right. Unknown on the left from willisorchard



Super Novak from EdibleLanscaping



Unknown from WillisOrchard

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

I was thinking of putting mine outside now. I'm not sure which is better though, more light or more heat. It is warmer on my porch, it gets 90+ some days, but the light is diffused.

What do you think, should I put it outside now?

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

This is only my second year growing bananas and in my humble opinion I would say that the more light the better since it will derive its energy from the sun and I think its safe to say that there is no chance of frost now in Massachusetts, knock on wood. It's currently 67 degrees and 86% humidity here. :waving:

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Most definitely put 'em out, we finally have been blessed with great warm weather. I put out last year's basjoo and musellas and they're pushing their third leaves now. All my new tc's are out now too, and thriving.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

You guys convinced me. I have a nice sunny location in the yard. This will be the first time the plant has been out side since I brought it home as a pup. I wonder if it will fruit this year.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Hi All - Crabman from the Cape - put out my Musa "Double Mahoi" and Musa Super Dwarf Cavendish out about 2 weeks ago, because it looked cloudy, but no threat of frost. Don't forget about the risk of sunburn on leaves, if it has been grown indoors over winter. Most of my older leaves are somewhat wilted. Newer leaves seem to be fine. Had them somewhat sheltered by a shed, now moved to a more central location. Good Luck with them!

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

everyone should have their plant outside by now it cant get any cooler then 50. yours are loooking greeat !

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Hmmmm......... I have Unknown (Bananas) from Willis Orchard (Paradise Palms) Too! Please tell more!

Paul

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Nice plants tmc2009

You have the right idea planting them in big wide pots if your overwintering them inside.

It's about time we get some real nana growing weather here.

Bill

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Crabman,

I'm interested what other plants you are growing down the cape. Where are you located? The Island side of the cape has some serious microclimates!

Thanks

Bill

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Nice Blog Tom

I wish I could put something together like that.

Bill

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Hi Bill MA,
I live in the Falmouth area. I've got the two banana plants outdoors, then mostly orchids indoors. Not a big collection. I am growing 2 figs and 2 dragonfruit, though. I think I could put the Figs outside, but they are still pretty small, so I'm keeping them potted. What are you growing?

Crabman

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Hey Crabman,

Falmouth is a beautiful area, I used to spend a lot of time down there when I was younger. I bet you would have really good luck with figs in the ground in your area, I have two that have made it 3 winters now. Your area is much more temperate the mine to.

Another nice tree you can grow there is S. Mongolia, there's a 40-50 footer off route 6 in Dennis that was planted in the 30's sometime. I've had pretty good luck with lil gem here, it flowers like crazy.

Also there are many types of hardy camelias that would work very well too.

My parents are looking at buying a home in the Hyannis area so I can't wait to do some experiments down there.

I grow all kinds of stuff here and have many very large palms that have been in the ground for many years.

Let me know if you ever need anything tropical and big as I also have lots of plants for sale.

Bill

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Its currently 56 degrees here and the in ground banana has only put out two new leaves. It's June 24th? Not going to be a good year for bananas in New England. You'd think they were like a tropical plant or something.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

I agree, very slow start this year, but eighties all next week! :woohoonaner:

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Mine seem to be producing 1 leaf a week, here on the Cape.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Its also a very slow start to the year here. Temperatures havent dropped much below 70 at night, but the past few days were cloudy and around 75F-80F which is much cooler than we should be for almost July. But today is in the low 80s which is almost average and next week will be around 85F and sunny which is right where we should be!
So far the most leaves my bananas have grown is 4. I would be expecting about 6 by now.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Yeah, 80's this week will be welcomed for sure. It's crazy to think my palm trees are growing fast then my outside bananas.

Bill

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

My banana seems to be loving the clouds and rain. The leaves were getting scorched when the sun was out.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Hello All,

Has anyone else had issues where the leaves of their banana plant come out like they already went through a wind storm? They are split and thin..

I wonder if they are growing too fast or if the fact that I have 3 Pstems on the same corm? I saved my Pstems this year overwintering and my plants went from a 3' stem to a 12-14' plant already. I have leaves that are about 4' long also..

Anyone?

Adam

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Upper 80's all next week, yessssss!:2208:

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

The nights are still around 65 degrees so its nice to sleep with the windows open at least. I really haven't had the air conditioners running yet. I did notice that the outer layer on some of my larger bananas are splitting a little near the base. Maybe because they are getting fatter and growing? I think I'm going to apply some water soluable banana fertilizer tomorrow. I put some cow manure (Home Depot brand) around them and some neighbors cat decided to make it a litter box too. I need to get a dog again. :2738:

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

We really have a short window of summer in zone 5 and 6 new england. They really seem to "take off" by the moddle of july and grow like crazy. Arn't you Ma. people growing Basjoo in the ground? If Bill is the same Bill from "hardy palms " forum, he is growing EVERYTHING. lol I am up in Amesbury, next to Newburyport.:waving:

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

My "nanners" are exploding with these 90's, very welcomed after the very slow start. I haven't chanced inground overwintering yet, I only have last years' plants and want to wait 'til I have pups, so I'll prolly wait 'til next year.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Welcome everyone!
I'm also living in MA. I'm in Worcester and am just starting to grow a SDC and getting a banjoo probably saturday.

I've been truly inspired by all the success stories of other people growing banana plants/trees in new england.

I'll be looking at some of you for advice as my banana plants start to grow more.

Please post pictures if you have any.

Re: Massachusetts Banana progress 2011
 

Ray do you have any pictures of your bananas?