I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

My Namwah fruited last year at 10 feet in stem height, now look at one of last year's pups, it's putting out a preflag at 7 feet tall?! I assume it's a preflag since the newest leaf is half the length of the others. I always thought that each generation of banana plants gets taller, no?

I am certainly not upset, since maybe I will get edible fruit this year, just surprised!

Re: I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

Not in my experience.
:nanerwaveytrain:

Re: I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

Hmm... okay thanks. I thought I had seen a post a while ago about how each generation the stem gets taller before it fruits? Certainly not 3 feet shorter though, right?

Re: I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

It's not unheard of, but an anomaly. It could be a mutation, a reversion, or the height was simply stunted by the cold rainy spring you had.

Re: I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

Your banana plant will bloom much earlier this year. There should be plenty of time for the bunch to fill out.

Re: I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

Usually my second generation plants are taller at point of inflorescence than the first generation, but after that it is pretty much about the same height.

Re: I thought the next generation is supposed to get taller?
 

The flower is out! Maybe I will be able to eat this one this time around? What's the earliest before I will be able to cut it down? The 90-100 degree sunny days should help and lots of watering!