Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

I have a Sweetheart and a Brazilian that are in fruit, but both have thrown pups that need harvesting. I'd rather not kill the pups, which are good-sized already, but I don't want to do anything that would negatively impact the further development of the fruit. Advice?

Re: Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

If fruiting is complete, meaning that male flowers are now being produced, you can remove pups. However, the more roots you disturb on the fruit bearing plant the greater the possibility of shocking that parent plant. Also, be aware that pups often supply support and stability to the parent plant, which can loose root mass because of the end of the flowering cycle - so maybe take one pup, but not several.

If the plant is just beginning to flower, or is close to initiating flowering, removing pups and disturbing roots can produce a shock that reduces fruit size and fruit quantity in the developing/flowering bunch.

Re: Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

Why do you think the pups need harvesting? Banana mats will propagate at a rate of 2, 3 or 4 per mama pstem. Lotsa fruit next year.

Re: Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

[quote=pitangadiego;322522] Also, be aware that pups often supply support and stability to the parent plant.

Yes, from personal experience, if you cut too many pups out the main plant may fall over as it cuts off too many roots.

Re: Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

[quote=Iowa;322524]Don't understand. To sever a pup all that is needed is to sever the connection to the Mama and pull the pup out of the ground. No cutting needed! If you're thinking of 6 to 8 ft pups --- well ---they aint pups anymore.

Re: Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

Exactly as Dan said. I do it all the time but only 1-2 pups. Best way is to plan ahead and keep up your pup management before the bloom.

Just put your finger on the connection. Cut it. Pry and giggle behind the pup as you gently pull it out. I find dry ground helps. You should do very little damage. A fruiting corm doesn’t grow leaves but it does still grow roots also. So if done correctly it will not be affected at all.

Re: Harvesting pups while mother plant fruits?
 

I use a thin bladed chisel to sever the rizomatuscuss.