Jane

I have 7 small bananas that I over wintered in the house. Considering this was my first winter with bananas I am very happy that I did not kill them. I did a lot of reading here and tried to do as was suggested. Kept them on the dry side and cool. Well we are getting some nice days and I want to start taking them outside. I know not to just put them out in the sun, but to start slow and gradually extend the time in the sun. But what I am wondering is what is the coolest nighttime temps they can handle without hurting them. After keeping them alive all winter I would hate to do something really stupid now and set them back. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Jane

Gabe15

It depends on the variety, but for most plants they will not get damaged until 32°F. However, I would recommend not letting them get lower than 40°F. They will stop growing below about 56°F.

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Growing bananas in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii since 2004. Commercial banana farmer, 200+ varieties.

Jane

Thanks Gabe!

I will keep an eye on the temps and make sure I bring them in if it is suppose to get below 40.

Jane

mudcat25

Gabe,
Are you saying that they will not grow if nighttime temps are below 40 and say day temps are in the 70's. Just want to get in on this one because it affects me and was also curious as when to plant. We get quite anxious here in areas where our climate is not a suitable as others.
Thanks Bob

Gabe15

If you are getting into the 40s at night, they will have to stop growing for the night. It will not hurt them, but they will not grow as fast because they will have to stop and start up again all the time. Normally, if its warm enough they will grow all night and all day. Most varieties grow normally in the 60-100°F range, anything above or below and they will slow down or stop. Some varieties (such as 'Dwarf Red') are very sensitive and may get some small amount of damage below 40°, but most varieties will simply stop growing and receive no damage.

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Growing bananas in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii since 2004. Commercial banana farmer, 200+ varieties.

mudcat25

Thanks Gabe,
Sounds like I can at least get them started and hope for some warmer weather soon. One banana I have was said to be a "Cuban", the only thing I've found on cuban banana was a red cuban and I'm sure that's not it. So possibly I was told the wrong name. But I do know that it has flowered at about 12ft and my ps is about 10ft and I really want to get it started and possibly have my first flowering nana.
Thanks for your time
Bob