GardenGuy

Hi all, out of these three varieties which do you suggest for zone 9a? Also, which has the best flavor relative to cold hardiness? Thanks!

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Richard

Cali-Gold is just a slightly more cool hardy strain of Orinoco -- and from some sellers just Orinoco under change of name. In my experience growing them outdoors full time at my former location in 9b, they were both at the bottom of the flavor range.

Apple is a category under which several cultivars follow. So it comes down to which one you are actually dealing with. I wouldn't trust them outdoors full time in zone 9a or 9b, but other growers in your area probably have a much better idea and recommendations. In general, the Apple genomics are good to excellent in flavor.

Ladyfinger is also a category as is Apple. One's I've tasted grown here are average flavor, but the same caveat from above applies.

Now my questions to you:
Are you considering outdoors full-time or a 3-month hiatus from winter?
Why these bananas? I believe there are better choices.

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GardenGuy

I was suspicious about Orinoco being sold as California Gold after doing some research! As far as why these varieties, I'm always looking to expand my collection and saw these varieties as having some potential. They would however be outside year round (I would only be willing to wheel something very exotic in and out of the greenhouse with the season changes.) What other varieties do you suggest?

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Steve L

Kane,

Give me a call sometime, I'll fill you in on my growing experience in Lake Charles. I'll PM my phone number to you. Lady Finger is much too cold sensitive to grow in the ground without serious protection. Apple would be much the same. Ca. Gold/Dwarf Orinoco is cold hardy enough most years to fruit without any protection.

Steve