RED bananas
 

I like smaller stature bananas under six feet if possible. I'd like a compact red banana that won't go off growing the roots like a buried Buick under fences and walkways. I have two yellow dwarfs (supposedly cavendish but I'm doubtful) that produce nicely, grow slowly and don't invade where several other bananas I had (cut from the Earth) and took over the yard.

So aside from recommendations on cultivar, and place to buy one thing is bothering me about red bananas.

I bought a small bunch (they were very dark maroon) today to see if I liked them and the one I opened was a long way from being ripe.

How the heck do you tell when a red banana is ripe :-)

Re: RED bananas
 

They plump up a lot, and they change from a dark red to a lighter red with some yellow at the flower end

Re: RED bananas
 

Re: RED bananas
 

Great picts Keith! I think you told me that the Morado and the Tall Red are the same banana. Is that correct? Great looking bananas. How do they taste?
:nanadrink:

Re: RED bananas
 

Like bananas mixed with a little berry, one of the best bananas there are in my opinion.

Re: RED bananas
 

If you want to taste them for yourself pm me or call. I'd recommend trying them with some Verdin, I can probably find a bunch of each ready to harvest this week.

Re: RED bananas
 

Can't wait to see my PR Morado and PR Verdin flowering, blooming!....they are still a long way to go!....



From left to right (trans-planted on 01/10/2016): PR Cuerno de Alce Plantain (ARH Plantain), PR Morado Banana and PR Verdin Banana.....

Re: RED bananas
 

Looking good Hector! You will have a bloom and filled fingers before you know it. Keep those great pictures coming.
:nanadrink:

Re: RED bananas
 

I don't think you'll find a red cultivar that is consistently under 6 feet, but Dwarf Red doesn't get too tall. Mine have been 7' to 9.5' when the flower -- and my plants tend to get taller than average, I think because they are planted too close and so are searching for light. Aside from being on the slower side when it comes to production, it's a well behaved plant -- not an aggressive, invasive gower like some (e.g., Namwah).

Definitely get some fruit from Keith if you can to be sure you like the flavor. They do taste unique. Some folks love the flavor, some don't care for it.

Re: RED bananas
 

How does the cold tolerance of Morado (and other Red bananas) compare to Namwa? I know they can handle less cold, but how much less?

Also, what are the qualities of Verdin, Keith? I've seen your pics and info, but I would love to learn more about Verdin and why you recommend it with Morado.

Re: RED bananas
 

Nowhere near Namwah in cold tolerance. Similar to Cavendish, at least in my yard.

Re: RED bananas
 

Thanks, Mark - good comparison. That's one of the reasons I got rid of D. Cavendish in my yard a few years ago - it was the least cold tolerant out of any of my bananas. Seems that it got severely damaged when temps approached freezing. But, the Morado might be worth it if I have an appropriate microclimate.

Re: RED bananas
 

I have my dwarf red right next to my house and I think it probably benefits from the warmth radiated out of the house on cool nights.