Best time to plant in-ground?
 

Howdy! I'm completely new to growing bananas here in Orlando and recently got 3 pups (Ice Cream, Dwarf Namwah, and Goldfinger) but they are only about 6" tall in pots atm. Seeing as it's mid July already, should I keep them growing in pots until next March-ish before planting them in them ground or is it safe to plant them now? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Re: Best time to plant in-ground?
 

6 inches from tissue culture I would wait. 6 inches from big fat corms I would get then in the ground.

Re: Best time to plant in-ground?
 

I know that the Namwah and Goldfinger were from tissue culture; not sure about the Ice Cream but it did have a larger root system than the other two. I'll play it safe and keep them all potted until spring as you suggested. Thanks!

Re: Best time to plant in-ground?
 

I put mine right in the ground, even at that size. Plants prefer the ground. The GF and Namwah should make it thru winter there. I am not too sure how cold hardy Blue Java is. Just keep them shaded from midday sun until they begin growing, then gradually let them have it. Make a 3 foot wide 1 foot deep hole and mix in a bag of black kow in the area for food. I have done this here in Palm Bay several times and they take off like a rocket..
By March, when you would be planting your 2 foot potted plants, they will be 6+ foot tall and established so you get a bunch that fall instead of the next summer.
This is just how I do it, others have different ideas. None of us is "right", there are just different ways to do things.

Re: Best time to plant in-ground?
 

My thinking was that once the temp dropped, everything would die back to the ground anyway. I suppose I might try to plant them now and see what happens. If they die and don't come back, I'll just grab another batch and start over earlier next year. Thank you for the planting info too!

Re: Best time to plant in-ground?
 

If you live in Florida, you shouldn't have a problem putting it in the ground, we still have plenty of hot and humid months to go. I would think it is perfect conditions for it to grow as we are now.

I planted my first 2 TCs in November last year. They are growing just fine. I know you are 4 hours north from here, but it is just and example. :)

Re: Best time to plant in-ground?
 

Your in Florida.......every day is good.:nanadrink: