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Cold Hardy Bananas This forum is dedicated to the discussion of bananas that are able to grow and thrive in cold areas. You'll find lots of tips and discussions about keeping your bananas over the winter.


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Old 04-13-2013, 02:53 PM   #1 (permalink)
 
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Default Spring maintenance question

For 4 or 5 years I grew non hardy type bananas that I had to dig & take to the basement each fall here in the Piedmont of North Carolina.
In spring of 2011 (if I'm not mistaken) I bought a hardy type. I believe it was simply listed as Basjoo.
It has done great. Last summer (2012) I guess I should have thinned out some of the pups but I kinda liked the thick clump of banana plants it made.
Any way, I'm not sure if I need to clean it up by cutting off the dead leaves & the tops of the stalks. Hoping to hear what some of the more experienced folks would do with a clump like this.

I should have taken a photo while it was at it's fullest last summer. I will this year.
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Old 04-13-2013, 04:02 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

I would clean it if it was mine.
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Old 04-13-2013, 04:25 PM   #3 (permalink)
 
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

I always clean them up for the spring once freeze danger is passed. Just be careful not to cut off any new growth within the p-stem.
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Old 04-13-2013, 10:37 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

Yes, wait till the chance of cold temps (40F or below) and then clean up. Start at the bottom and peel it off like an onion, working your way up. Use a knife or scissors to cut off the parts that are brown/dead on the upper portion but live below.

Honestly, it will take you 10 minutes or so to do that mat, but WELL worth the effort! It will look SOOOO much better! And, it will prevent accumulation of moisture which could lead to rot or mold.

To me, it's like trimming a hedge....a bit of effort, but well worth it in the end.
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:24 PM   #5 (permalink)
 
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

Thanks for the replies & good info.
I have another question. I'm sure it's been discussed many times before but what are some of the favored tools for cutting the dry, tough foliage?
Heavy duty scissors, hedge shears, sharp blade?
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Old 04-14-2013, 02:34 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

I've found that a regular pair of scissors works better than pruning shears.
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Old 04-15-2013, 04:52 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

Knife or scissors....either works great.
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Old 07-07-2013, 07:01 PM   #8 (permalink)
 
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Default Spring maintenance UP DATE

Since I started this thread in mid April the banana tree(s) have come to life!
For my first time I discovered two flowers followed by two bunches of little bananas!
Here is a link to pictures in a web album...
https://plus.google.com/photos/10246...585?banner=pwa

I have a few questions...
1)... my understanding is that here in central NC (USA) zone 7, we do not have a long enough warm season for bananas to ripen. Is that true?
2)... If they were to ripen, would this type (see first post) be edible & tasty?
3)... You can see I've left the pups to grow naturally around mama plant. Do they take away from each other being left so close?

Thanks.
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Old 07-07-2013, 07:32 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Default Re: Spring maintenance UP DATE

Quote:
Originally Posted by slowhike View Post
Since I started this thread in mid April the banana tree(s) have come to life!
For my first time I discovered two flowers followed by two bunches of little bananas!
Here is a link to pictures in a web album...
https://plus.google.com/photos/10246...585?banner=pwa

I have a few questions...
1)... my understanding is that here in central NC (USA) zone 7, we do not have a long enough warm season for bananas to ripen. Is that true?
2)... If they were to ripen, would this type (see first post) be edible & tasty?
3)... You can see I've left the pups to grow naturally around mama plant. Do they take away from each other being left so close?

Thanks.
1.Not true depends when the plant flowers

2. no Musa Basjoo - Bananas Wiki

3.Not really

Last edited by sunfish : 07-07-2013 at 07:34 PM.
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Old 07-08-2013, 12:32 AM   #10 (permalink)
 
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Default Re: Spring maintenance question

Tanks for the info.
I see one responder elsewhere said "The reason you can't eat these bananas is that they are small with a large pit inside. They're not poisonous they just wouldn't taste very good."
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Old 07-08-2013, 12:34 AM   #11 (permalink)
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Default Re: Spring maintenance UP DATE

Quote:
Originally Posted by sunfish View Post
1.Not true depends when the plant flowers

2. no Musa Basjoo - Bananas Wiki

3.Not really
Agreed

Edit: basjoo is technically 'edible' but it has a TON of large black seeds in it. Don't bite down on one if you don't have a dentist on speed dial. Even working around the seeds, there probably isn't much fruit to 'eat.'
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Old 07-08-2013, 12:37 AM   #12 (permalink)
 
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Talking Re: Spring maintenance UP DATE

Quote:
Originally Posted by LilRaverBoi View Post
Agreed

Edit: basjoo is technically 'edible' but it has a TON of large black seeds in it. Don't bite down on one if you don't have a dentist on speed dial. Even working around the seeds, there probably isn't much fruit to 'eat.'
Sounds interesting though.
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