Wills

Hello all. I have spent the last few hours looking over the site and love it. Live in Citrus county Florida which is about half way between Ocala and Tampa. We are on a lake on many acres and are semi wooded with Hickory and huge live oak trees interspersed with many open sunny areas. Except for the native trees, 10 or so citrus trees and 25 or so blueberry bushes we have planted and a few flower beds, the property (former jungle basically) is mostly a blank slate.

I am interested in planting a few bananas, mostly in the edible types but not sure exactly what would be well suited to my area. I know the zone helps but even though the banana can grow here and survive here does that mean it will produce fruit? We do get cold weather (relative cold I know) here even a frost or two a year.

Guess I am just looking for some guidance on the best varieties and a source for the varieties that are suggested?

MediaHound

Welcome aboard! Read up in our archives and our wiki and you should find some info to help you decide. Everyone has different favorites! You might find yourself trying many types before you find the best that you prefer. There's many flavors, colors and height with the plants, as well as the cold-hardiness... so many things to consider.

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Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

magicgreen

Welcome Wills!!
There's so much information here! You think you want a certain type of nanna, till you find out how many different ones there are!!

And before ya' know it......You have 10 or more different kinds!!

Collecting banana plants is ~~~V-E-R-Y~~~ ADDICTING!!!!

AND SO IS THIS SITE!!

Good Luck!!

Magicgreen

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(Started growing bananas July 2007)
(Zone 6)

NANAMAN

Yes they will produce fruit in your zone. The Oak tree canopy should provide protection from frost, but they will grow slower than if planted in full sun. My recomendations for taste are: D. Namwah, Belle, Fhia 18 or Manzano, Nino. If you like sweet, unique tasting bananas, you can't go wrong with these varieties! As far as cold hardiness goes, I can't help you there, they really don't get tested in my S Fl climate. Now is the perfect time to get some pups started and established, and by next summer, you'll be eating your first homegrown bananas!

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lorax

Welcome aboard! As everyone has said, this is a highly addictive journey you're embarking on.

I can't speak to cold hardiness, but I like the flavour of Oritos and Rojos (Rosados) best - not sure of the N. American cultivar names; Oritos are a Brazilian cultivar, and Rosados have red skins and pink flesh.

Wills

Thank you all for the advice......are there any good reliable sources for the plants?

mskitty38583

welcome!!!! you can post a new thread for wanted nanas, or you can go to rarebananas.com, or you can just ask around here. i have bought all but a few of my nanas from members here at the org.

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WELCOME TO THE GATOR NATION

Wills

Thank you MsKitty I will do that and for the link.

I came across the "ice cream" banana? Forgive the lack of scientific name but .....I know it will grow here but will it fruit? My guess is no but not quite sure. Just so many different types of banana.....and bamboo for that matter.

mskitty38583

i dont know scientific name of many nanas, nor bamboo. heck i cant even give the scientific name for my dahilas. lol! all i know is that i love them. ha ha ha. and yes, even on here they call it an ice cream nana, i dont have one of those yet. im still drooling over ae ae's.

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banana berserker

I would say with a little care ice cream will fruit. I've heard ice cream and raja puri along with some others are really good. For begginers I would suggest raja puri. Cold hardy, wind resistant, and good tasting!