lt_eggbeater

Any suggestions on the types of banana to grow here? I prefer taller but they need to be fairly wind resistant, as it gets pretty windy in my particular loaction at certain times. I have a decent number of varieties here now but not sure that they will make it through winter. I will not bring them indoors. Temps can get down to about 20f at night during the coldest wnter weeks although not for long and not too often, and can reach 115f on a regular basis in the summer. Oh also I prefer edible fruit types.

Thanks

chong

If you want tall, edible plants, the sturdiest that I know of is the Saba and Praying Hands bananas. I cannot personally attest to it, but they are reportedly hardy to Zone 8. I have grown them in the typhoon belt of the Philippines and they hold up pretty well, I guess owing to their very stout trunks. I am confident that they can take 115°F heat, but they will need some humidification during that period. At least one mister in their immediate area would be a great help. Otherwise, the grounds around them should be soaked and have it evaporate the water. Planting next to a building for some shade would also be helpful.

lt_eggbeater

Thanks for the reply. I have some sabas and one praying hand all small at the moment (3 to 4 feet). I am thinking about getting another praying hand and would like a tall orinoco if I could find a larger specimen.

gadget

I have some unknown bananas that look like they are going to be big if you want to do some trading. come by and see what is doing good and get some pups

Planted this unknown little over a month ago on the south wall and is doing great with strong leafs

then



now, with three pups


This is my other favorite unknown, thick and growing fast. planted this pup a couple days ago



I got to get my camera back

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lt_eggbeater

Sounds good to me you are welcome to come over to my place and have a look also. I will post some pics in the next few days.

Chironex

looks like a manzano

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Scot


"Grow 'em if ya got 'em!"

Chironex

Mysore and Monthan appear to be the best around the desert s/w from all that I have read. We have some trials with Texas Star and Manzano too.
Several more being brought in for further research

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Scot


"Grow 'em if ya got 'em!"

gadget

Thanks for the help chironex; manzono so far is my favorite store bought banana. In the future I will have to do an id thread.

Eggbeater, I am in mesa all the time, would love to stop by.

pm sent

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dablo93

they are looking very good, especially in your dessert climate! I dont think they are growing in full sun?
do you need to fertilize them alot because your soil looks poor and sandy.

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lt_eggbeater

The Mysores that I have are doing well, how tall will they get in az?

gadget

The soil is poor but it is solid clay, have not fertilized all summer. I added lots of leafs and shredded trees around my plants. I have lost a few due to root rot and have started planting the bananas much higher with a thick layer of mulch. Drainage, salts, and dry winds are my biggest problems. A south facing wall is a pretty hot place, it has a little shade from my small overhang but not for long the sun has started moving south quick.

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