JCA433

My goldfinger bunch has collapsed! The fingers have not finished filling in yet.
I now understand this variety MUST be propped!

JCA433

What is the best prop? I am thinking of bolting two 2X4s together to use as a prop.

Richard

The best prop will support the weight and is impervious to wind. There are multiple solutions to this.

I use steel poles with come-alongs to steady the main stalks. I like the width of come-along straps as opposed to rope, etc. The straps are implemented at both the 4-ft and 8-ft height. For the bunches I sometimes use additional support underneath the peduncle. Somewhere on this site is a thread where Jon (pitangadiego) details a two-pipe system of support. Several other members use this and I have done so in the past. However, for a single support system to support a bunch and survive wind gusts I would recommend a tripod approach (2x4's would work) with the base of each leg anchored.

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servatusprime

I havent had that problem with Goldfinger yet. However a trick I picked up here is to use ratchet tie down straps to use one p-stem to hold up another. Works well provided you can use a ladder to get it up near the pendicule and you have another p-stem that is around the same height.

JCA433

I noticed that Goldfinger leans a lot, much more than other banana plants, when it has a bunch. The SH3640 has a big bunch but does not lean at all.
This is the first time I suffer a loss from the banana stem breaking from the load of a bunch.

flaflowerfloozie

This is good information since I'm expecting a flag leaf on mine any time now, I'll give my carpenter a heads up on how we might handle a heavy bunch

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flaflowerfloozie

This will also work great on my ensete glaucum I have another one blooming. I lost the last one 1/2 threw due to collapsing.
Great idea!

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robguz24

Curious as to the source of your Goldfinger. Mine originally from Agristarts also both collapsed on their only bunches. I have some doubt that they are actually the real Goldfinger because the male bud did not have the classic shape. However, they matched in other respects.

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JCA433

Mine collapsed not far from the peduncle. I am very impressed with SH3640: it is the fastest growing banana I have and the bunch maturing now looks fantastic. I hope it tastes as good as it looks! Goldfinger has a lot of good characteristics like disease resistance and great quality bananas. It does have a tendency to lean though and this increases risks it could collapse especially in strong winds. I have already harvested two other bunches from this mat though and neither collapsed but the stem did lean greatly.