Musa Basjoo - winter protection

Rick H · 02-24-2013, 03:30 PM

Hi,
This is mostly for next year, as my bananas are growing inside in pots right now, and I plan to plant them in the ground in the spring (May). For next winter, I plan to leave them in the ground and protect them. After I cut the PStem back, could I use a plastic garbage can (flipped over) to cover it from the elements? I was thinking of mulching around the base, and then filling the garbage can with something like hay, before turning it over ontop of the PStem. My thought it that the can would protect the plant from getting too wet, and keep the snow off of it, and that the hay might help insulate the PStem a little. Would this work, or would the complete lack of light be bad for the plant? Any thoughts?

I have 3 plants at about 3 feet tall and 2 about one foot tall right now. They are growing like weeds right now in my south facing window!!!
Thanks!!!!!

natej740 · 02-25-2013, 03:30 AM

That should work. I've done something similar with success with Basjoo in zone 6.

designshark · 02-25-2013, 08:49 AM

That's basically what I did last fall. I'm not sure of the results yet but eagerly awaiting warmer weather. I used some wire fencing, then a couple bags of mulch and a bale of hay then spiraled heat tape around it all, covered it with a couple tarps and anchored it all down. I peeled back some of it a couple weeks ago for a peek and the stem I saw was still green and solid. I'll keep my fingers crossed! I read somewhere a little while back that hay was not good to use but too late now!

When you plant them in the ground it is suggested to plant a foot deeper than instructed for more freeze protection. Best of luck to ya!

stevelau1911 · 02-25-2013, 09:24 AM

I like to use cut open 55 gallon drums, and sticking them over the pseudo-stems.

In case you are interested, here's a post with pictures on how I over-winter mine, and I believe they should turn out fine when I remove the protection in a couple months.

Steve's garden: Overwintering the bananas and other plants for winter of 2012/2013

02-24-2013, 03:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rick H Location: Liverpool, NY Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Name: Rick Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 15 BananaBucks : 18,029 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 31 Times Was Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 32 Times	Musa Basjoo - winter protection Hi, This is mostly for next year, as my bananas are growing inside in pots right now, and I plan to plant them in the ground in the spring (May). For next winter, I plan to leave them in the ground and protect them. After I cut the PStem back, could I use a plastic garbage can (flipped over) to cover it from the elements? I was thinking of mulching around the base, and then filling the garbage can with something like hay, before turning it over ontop of the PStem. My thought it that the can would protect the plant from getting too wet, and keep the snow off of it, and that the hay might help insulate the PStem a little. Would this work, or would the complete lack of light be bad for the plant? Any thoughts? I have 3 plants at about 3 feet tall and 2 about one foot tall right now. They are growing like weeds right now in my south facing window!!! Thanks!!!!! __________________ I am in Upstate NY, home to lots of SNOW!!! I am hoping to be sucessful in growing some Musa Basjoos around the pool to make our short summers feel more tropical!!!! Always open to advice from others!!!

02-25-2013, 03:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
natej740 natej740's Photo Gallery Location: Chillicothe, Ohio Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 509 BananaBucks : 225,138 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 262 Times Was Thanked 480 Times in 224 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 49 Times	Re: Musa Basjoo - winter protection That should work. I've done something similar with success with Basjoo in zone 6.

02-25-2013, 08:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
designshark Location: Anderson, Indiana Find me on the map! Zone: 5-6 Name: Tim Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 223 BananaBucks : 25,777 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 66 Times Was Thanked 148 Times in 94 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 154 Times	Re: Musa Basjoo - winter protection That's basically what I did last fall. I'm not sure of the results yet but eagerly awaiting warmer weather. I used some wire fencing, then a couple bags of mulch and a bale of hay then spiraled heat tape around it all, covered it with a couple tarps and anchored it all down. I peeled back some of it a couple weeks ago for a peek and the stem I saw was still green and solid. I'll keep my fingers crossed! I read somewhere a little while back that hay was not good to use but too late now! When you plant them in the ground it is suggested to plant a foot deeper than instructed for more freeze protection. Best of luck to ya!

02-25-2013, 09:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
stevelau1911 stevelau1911's Photo Gallery Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 458 BananaBucks : 161,384 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 51 Times Was Thanked 563 Times in 258 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 24 Times	Re: Musa Basjoo - winter protection I like to use cut open 55 gallon drums, and sticking them over the pseudo-stems. In case you are interested, here's a post with pictures on how I over-winter mine, and I believe they should turn out fine when I remove the protection in a couple months. Steve's garden: Overwintering the bananas and other plants for winter of 2012/2013 __________________ I'm in zone 6 upstate NY, specialize in growing temperate cold hardy bamboos(mainly phyllostachys) and starting to get into bananas. my picture website is http://www.flickr.com/photos/31489820@N02/ http://stevespeonygarden.blogspot.com/

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