Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio?

*Dearly Depotted* · 03-27-2021, 01:23 AM

Does anyone happen to know if I could actually grow edible bananas here in Northeastern Ohio? I plant the banana plants in the ground in summer. I then dig them back up and put them in pots. I then bring them indoors for the winter. So I was hoping that b/c they are still growing through the winter that maybe just maybe I could actually get real edible bananas. Is it possible?

Backyard Banana Joe · 03-27-2021, 03:47 PM

It's probably possible, you just need the correct varieties. Someone in Illinois got some last spring from their Orinoco. They did what you are doing I think. mariadams.net or something like that

*Dearly Depotted* · 03-28-2021, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Backyard Banana Joe

It's probably possible, you just need the correct varieties. Someone in Illinois got some last spring from their Orinoco. They did what you are doing I think. mariadams.net or something like that

Aww, thanks so much! I am very grateful for the boost of confidence!

Gabe15 · 03-30-2021, 02:27 PM

Anything is possible with enough attempts and money, but it won't be easy. You're much better off just growing dwarf varieties in large pots and bringing them in and out. Planting in the ground and then digging them out is a major stress to the plant and not going to help in your fruit quest.

Iowa · 03-30-2021, 05:02 PM

Sure you can, just don't expect a lot of hands. I have blooms about every year, usually they are late in the season or all male, so they usually don't mature enough to eat. Orinoco's are what I have bloom for me, I have plants of several different ages. I have had them fruit their 3rd, 4th or 5th seasons, wintering them over you break their growth cycle and can never tell when they will bloom. My best luck was 2007 and 2018.

2018 4 plants bloomed.

Ate 5 Banana's, a bumper crop here.

Iowa · 03-30-2021, 07:52 PM

Here's one that was chocked, I cut it down to the choke and this came out.

It was male and they all fell off after awhile.

*Dearly Depotted* · 03-31-2021, 11:17 PM

OMG! I’m sorry I didn’t know anybody had replied to this thread! If I had known I would have replied way sooner!

*Dearly Depotted* · 03-31-2021, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowa

Sure you can, just don't expect a lot of hands. I have blooms about every year, usually they are late in the season or all male, so they usually don't mature enough to eat. Orinoco's are what I have bloom for me, I have plants of several different ages. I have had them fruit their 3rd, 4th or 5th seasons, wintering them over you break their growth cycle and can never tell when they will bloom. My best luck was 2007 and 2018.

2018 4 plants bloomed.

Ate 5 Banana's, a bumper crop here.

WOW! You have totally made my day! I was feeling b/c I was figuring that more than likely I wouldn’t be able to get real bananas. When I saw your 2 messages I was so THRILLED! I am also very impressed to see your pictures of the bananas you actually grew yourself! Congratulations! Pretty cool! Okay now I know not to expect too much but hey even if I only could get 1 banana grown I’d be happy! Thanks so much for letting me know that it’s possible for me! Yay! I truly appreciate it!

*Dearly Depotted* · 03-31-2021, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowa

Here's one that was chocked, I cut it down to the choke and this came out.

It was male and they all fell off after awhile.

Isn’t that something! Never heard of that happening before! It’s just too ! Sorry to hear they all fell off afterward! Pretty neat anyway!

*Dearly Depotted* · 03-31-2021, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabe15

Anything is possible with enough attempts and money, but it won't be easy. You're much better off just growing dwarf varieties in large pots and bringing them in and out. Planting in the ground and then digging them out is a major stress to the plant and not going to help in your fruit quest.

Thanks for telling about the extra stress of digging the plants back up. You know I never thought of that! I might just try a few dwarf varieties and keep them in pots! Neat idea! Thanks again for the help!

Sundra · 04-02-2021, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowa

Sure you can, just don't expect a lot of hands. I have blooms about every year, usually they are late in the season or all male, so they usually don't mature enough to eat. Orinoco's are what I have bloom for me, I have plants of several different ages. I have had them fruit their 3rd, 4th or 5th seasons, wintering them over you break their growth cycle and can never tell when they will bloom. My best luck was 2007 and 2018.

2018 4 plants bloomed.

Ate 5 Banana's, a bumper crop here.

That is so freaking awesome and inspirational

sirdoofus · 04-02-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowa

Sure you can, just don't expect a lot of hands. I have blooms about every year, usually they are late in the season or all male, so they usually don't mature enough to eat. Orinoco's are what I have bloom for me, I have plants of several different ages. I have had them fruit their 3rd, 4th or 5th seasons, wintering them over you break their growth cycle and can never tell when they will bloom. My best luck was 2007 and 2018.

2018 4 plants bloomed.

Ate 5 Banana's, a bumper crop here.

That is awesome

I am assuming, based on Gabe's comment, your fruiting plants are in pots that get moved with the seasons? If so, what size pots do you have your orinocos in?

Iowa · 04-02-2021, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdoofus

That is awesome

I am assuming, based on Gabe's comment, your fruiting plants are in pots that get moved with the seasons? If so, what size pots do you have your orinocos in?

The one's that bloom are in the ground, I have some in pots, usually up to 20 gallon. When they out grow that they go in the ground. The one's in the ground get dug up and stored bare root from mid Oct. to May, no water. The one's in pots store in pots without watering till Dec. and then a little water every 3 weeks. They start getting woke up now, April. As far as pot size for blooming is larger then I want to handle. I think 40, 50, gallon or larger would be better.

*Dearly Depotted* · 04-02-2021, 02:11 PM

OMG! 20- 50 gallon containers! There’s no way I’d ever be able to move or handle that sized container ever! It would me!

sirdoofus · 04-02-2021, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowa

The one's that bloom are in the ground, I have some in pots, usually up to 20 gallon. When they out grow that they go in the ground. The one's in the ground get dug up and stored bare root from mid Oct. to May, no water. The one's in pots store in pots without watering till Dec. and then a little water every 3 weeks. They start getting woke up now, April. As far as pot size for blooming is larger then I want to handle. I think 40, 50, gallon or larger would be better.

Hey Mike - Thank you very much for the detailed post and pics, you have quite the operation going, definitely something for me to strive for. I think I will give the in-ground/dig out method a try this year with a dwarf orinoco and see how it goes. Thanks again for the fantastic info!

arthurthomas · 01-02-2023, 10:05 PM

Absolutely yes but only in summer, you can grow all tropical plants outside, especially bananas in North Ohio. capybara clicker

cincinnana · 01-03-2023, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arthurthomas

Absolutely yes but only in summer, you can grow all tropical plants outside, especially bananas in North Ohio. capybara clicker

What kind of banana can they grow there in North Ohio?

blownz281 · 01-04-2023, 10:16 AM

Basjoo only one that will survive for good. Mike I know you grow Mekong which is similar as well.

wstrickland1 · 01-04-2023, 10:47 AM

How did this ever turn out?

arthurthomas · 06-14-2023, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cincinnana

What kind of banana can they grow there in North Ohio? build now gg

In North Ohio, due to its climate and growing conditions, a variety of bananas called "cold-hardy bananas" or "Northern bananas" can be grown. These bananas are specifically bred to tolerate cooler temperatures and are more suitable for regions with colder climates.

03-27-2021, 01:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dearly Depotted Find me on the map! Zone: 6A Name: Mary Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 646 BananaBucks : 97,747 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 607 Times Was Thanked 442 Times in 301 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? Does anyone happen to know if I could actually grow edible bananas here in Northeastern Ohio? I plant the banana plants in the ground in summer. I then dig them back up and put them in pots. I then bring them indoors for the winter. So I was hoping that b/c they are still growing through the winter that maybe just maybe I could actually get real edible bananas. Is it possible? __________________ It’s long been a dream of mine to be able to grow real bananas off my own plants! So, please wish me luck on my quest to fulfill that dream!

03-27-2021, 03:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
Backyard Banana Joe Location: Orlando FL Find me on the map! Zone: 9B Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 1,428 BananaBucks : 95,370 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 6,976 Times Was Thanked 1,984 Times in 935 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 184 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? It's probably possible, you just need the correct varieties. Someone in Illinois got some last spring from their Orinoco. They did what you are doing I think. mariadams.net or something like that

03-30-2021, 02:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
Gabe15 Moderator Gabe15's Photo Gallery Location: Oahu, Hawaii Find me on the map! Zone: 12 Name: Gabe Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,892 BananaBucks : 13,339,571 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 8,237 Times in 2,200 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? Anything is possible with enough attempts and money, but it won't be easy. You're much better off just growing dwarf varieties in large pots and bringing them in and out. Planting in the ground and then digging them out is a major stress to the plant and not going to help in your fruit quest. __________________ Growing bananas in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii since 2004. Commercial banana farmer, 200+ varieties.

03-30-2021, 05:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Iowa Location: Burlington,Iowa Find me on the map! Zone: 5 Name: Mike Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 703 BananaBucks : 43,457 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 571 Times Was Thanked 1,017 Times in 381 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 597 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? Sure you can, just don't expect a lot of hands. I have blooms about every year, usually they are late in the season or all male, so they usually don't mature enough to eat. Orinoco's are what I have bloom for me, I have plants of several different ages. I have had them fruit their 3rd, 4th or 5th seasons, wintering them over you break their growth cycle and can never tell when they will bloom. My best luck was 2007 and 2018. 2018 4 plants bloomed. Ate 5 Banana's, a bumper crop here. __________________ Growing Musa Orinoco since 1993 - Added 2018-Basjoo, Zebrina' Rojo, Ensete Red Abyssinian - Added 2019-Goldfinger - Added 2020-Kokopo (Short Cycle), Double (Mahoi), Highgate, Super Dwarf Cavendish - Added 2021-Pisang Ceylon(Mysore), Musa Margarita, Ensete Ventricosum - Added 2023 - Siam Ruby

03-30-2021, 07:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
Iowa Location: Burlington,Iowa Find me on the map! Zone: 5 Name: Mike Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 703 BananaBucks : 43,457 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 571 Times Was Thanked 1,017 Times in 381 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 597 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? Here's one that was chocked, I cut it down to the choke and this came out. It was male and they all fell off after awhile. __________________ Growing Musa Orinoco since 1993 - Added 2018-Basjoo, Zebrina' Rojo, Ensete Red Abyssinian - Added 2019-Goldfinger - Added 2020-Kokopo (Short Cycle), Double (Mahoi), Highgate, Super Dwarf Cavendish - Added 2021-Pisang Ceylon(Mysore), Musa Margarita, Ensete Ventricosum - Added 2023 - Siam Ruby Last edited by Iowa : 03-31-2021 at 06:51 PM.

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03-31-2021, 11:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dearly Depotted Find me on the map! Zone: 6A Name: Mary Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 646 BananaBucks : 97,747 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 607 Times Was Thanked 442 Times in 301 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? OMG! I’m sorry I didn’t know anybody had replied to this thread! If I had known I would have replied way sooner! __________________ It’s long been a dream of mine to be able to grow real bananas off my own plants! So, please wish me luck on my quest to fulfill that dream!

04-02-2021, 02:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
Dearly Depotted Find me on the map! Zone: 6A Name: Mary Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 646 BananaBucks : 97,747 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 607 Times Was Thanked 442 Times in 301 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? OMG! 20- 50 gallon containers! There’s no way I’d ever be able to move or handle that sized container ever! It would me! __________________ It’s long been a dream of mine to be able to grow real bananas off my own plants! So, please wish me luck on my quest to fulfill that dream!

01-02-2023, 10:05 PM	#16 (permalink)
arthurthomas Join Date: Nov 2022 Posts: 5 BananaBucks : 211 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? Absolutely yes but only in summer, you can grow all tropical plants outside, especially bananas in North Ohio. capybara clicker

01-04-2023, 10:16 AM	#18 (permalink)
blownz281 Location: Coastal NC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b coastal Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,373 BananaBucks : 350,036 Feedback: 6 / 100% Said "Thanks" 440 Times Was Thanked 756 Times in 534 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 14 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? Basjoo only one that will survive for good. Mike I know you grow Mekong which is similar as well.

01-04-2023, 10:47 AM	#19 (permalink)
wstrickland1 Location: Charleston, SC Zone: 8-B Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 964 BananaBucks : 53,533 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 306 Times Was Thanked 1,424 Times in 593 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times	Re: Can I grow edible bananas in NE Ohio? How did this ever turn out?

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