Fruiting without leaves?
 

It's been about 2 weeks since the last hard freeze and it killed all the new leaves coming out of the banana plants (live in North Central Florida, zone 8b). I have a couple of banana plants that have flowers coming out and 1 has already started producing bunches.

Neither of these plants have any leaves on them and both are facing south.

Do I need to take any precautions for the bunches to protect them from the sun/heat until they ripen? If so, is there a home remedy that doesn't involve buying special bags?

Also, should I plan on giving them support and if so, what is best way? I've seen 1 post using pvc, is that the best/cheapest idea?

Last question, should I be applying more chicken/goat manure and watering more frequently since it's fruiting? If so, how often? And how much wood ash?

I'm super excited to have bunches growing! Our winters have always previously been to harsh and the stalks would always die back to the ground.

Edited to add photos (at least I think this will work, 1st attempt at using photobucket and sharing). The pups are attached to the plant that is flowering. The leaf belongs to another plant. The flower itself looks rather horrible, but the bananas look ok so far.

Re: Fruiting without leaves?
 

Congrats on your bunches. Unfortually I haven't been able to to fill and ripen a bunch without at least 2-3 leaves. Good luck and maybe someone who has will chime in.

I use potash as soon as I see a flower then apply 4 more times in 2 week intervals. Bananas need lots of potassium when flowering and filling.

I use the PVC supports, they work great. Just do a search on here for them.

Congratulations on your bunches. Too bad 2-3 leaves didn't push out first! Good luck anyway though and keep us updated if you succeed in filling one of them!

Re: Fruiting without leaves?
 

I will post update whatever the outcome. Thanks!

Re: Fruiting without leaves?
 

Well, I thought I was going to add photos. I tried to embed the link but it doesn't seem to be working.[IMG][/IMG]

Re: Fruiting without leaves?
 

Move down where I am. Fruit out the whazoo!!!!!

Re: Fruiting without leaves?
 

I do wish we had looked harder for a place a little farther south, like somewhere between Vero and Sebastian...