Yug

Anyone ever heard of this banana? Someone gave it to me Thursday. It is maroon & green. At first glance, it looks like an ornamental, however, he claims it makes edible fruit, but it will be a while before it is that big.

Jeff zone 8 N.C.

Mine grows well and seems tough as it was inside all winter and had a spider mite infestation that did not seem to bother it. Pups well too. It came from a smaller island off Papua New Guinea and was being cultivated there (if my my memory is correct). It was unknown to the larger world until just a few years ago. Don't know about the fruit but hopefully you will be able to come back here and tell us when you get some.

harveyc

Any updates from either of you on how your Nono did this year?

__________________

Jeff zone 8 N.C.

Even though I did not baby my Nono this summer it still grew well and has many pups. I did drop it into a larger pot this spring with a very well drained airy mix similar to that recommended by PR-Giants. Gave it a little fertilizer a couple times this year and kept it watered mostly with rain water. I grew it in full sun, after a short stay in some dappled sun, and it grew constantly. We did have regular showers this summer, until recently, but that has come with cooler weather. It has gotten down into the low 50s F a few times but it seems to shake it off although growth has certainly slowed. It and all other tender plants will go into the greenhouse this weekend.

gingerfkelley

This banana looks surprisingly unique. The mix of maroon and green makes it seem like a purely ornamental plant at first glance. But knowing it will eventually produce edible fruit makes it even more interesting. When you come across unusual varieties like this, you can’t help but be curious. It will be exciting to see how it develops as it grows.

__________________