Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

Hello! :)

Since the Gros Michel has been more readily available for 2 years now,i would like to ask your experiences with growing it outdoors in zone 9b/10a. How does it fare compared to other varieties and how easy and able is it to fruit in this zone reliably,without protection or problems?

Mine is still potted and passed last winter outdoors but main pseudostem died. It grew a pup early on and is now as big as it was before winter. But i know pots are a completely different matter to growing in ground,so i would love to hear your experiences with it! :)

Thank you very much in advance!

Re: Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

Well, it seems to be working out form me and I am also in Zone 9B/10A. I will say that GM loves our heat but only tolerates our "winter". If I had to compare it to my other varieties, I would say it tolerates colder weather about as well as my Double Mahoi. Expect to see yellowing of leaves at the very least. I should clarify however, my mat has only gone through one winter with no frosts.

Additionally, I lost my first bunch to some strong winds, so don't forget to prop!

Re: Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

Thank you very much,sounds good!!! :) I will try to get them in the ground next year,so its one more winter I have to get it through potted...hopefully it works out better than the last one.

Re: Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

I'm In Zone 9 NE Florida did not cover my GM Matt, Same as my other Bananas, leaves turn brown & comes back in the spring, and we had several frost last winter,..

Good luck ed..

Re: Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

Thank you very much Ed! :) Very encouraging!

Re: Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

I feed all my Bananas very heavy during the growing season with 0-0-60 K

So comes winter they are very healthy & I have observed that it improves there chances to survive the winter in my area..

Thanks Ed..

Re: Gros Michel cold hardiness?
 

Thank you very much Ed,great to know!!! :)