greenfumb

I am restarting my banana garden. All of the many types I had died after a bad accident I had. I live in north Texas, and I had multiple varieties. I had multiple surgeries, and was unable to walk for 2 years. I couldn't protect the plants I had because of my injuries and they died in the cold. On top of all of that here February of 2021 we had a record breaking ice storm, and had no power for a week, I even lost the Bananas in my sun room. The temperatures got down -9F, 20F is rare here.

Any way I am looking for some recommendations for some tolerant species that grow well in North Texas with winter protection. I do like the smaller species in case I have to dig them up for the winter. Any input is appreciated.

Valor_X

I'm sorry to hear about your accident.
I'm in Southern Texas and was also hit by the Winter Storm last year but it only got down to 14F here (with tons of wind)
Thankfully all my bananas survived with protection but many died to the ground and had to start over.

Orinoco is my go-to recommendation for the hardiest and easiest banana to grow by far. It is also a very prolific pupper once established.
My mother has been growing them for 20+ years with little to no care besides trimming. They literally thrive on just rainwater and sun.

Praying Hands is also very cold hardy from experience. It grows just as fast but doesn't seem to pup as much as Orinoco.
Both shrugged off the winter storm this year when it got down below freezing 28F with no protection either.

This was my Praying Hands and my Orinoco in the back after last years winter storm



This is them now after shrugging off freezing temps.
Praying Hands on the left and Orinoco on the right.
It was actually 3 Praying Hands but one flowered in Winter and died so I cut it down.
Even so there's 12+ Orinocos compared to the Praying hands basically growing under the same conditions.



Also Tall Namwa, Blue Java, and 1000 Fingers are known for being hardy as well.

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Varieties I'm Growing

From Corm/Pup
Dwarf Cavendish ○ Super Dwarf Cavendish ○ Grand Nain ○ Niño ○ Manzano ○ Raja Puri ○ Tall Namwah ○ Blue Java ○ 1000 Fingers ○ Praying Hands ○ Orinoco ○ Variegated Florida ○ PR Red ○ California Gold ○ FHIA-03 Sweetheart

Plantains
Puerto Rican Dwarf Plantain ○ African Rhino Horn

From TC
Truly Tiny ○ Manzano ○ "Blue Java" ○ Dwarf Namwah ○ Thai Black ○ Veinte Cohol

CValentine

Sorry to hear that you lost your plants & HOPE you are all healed up now...

I am in South Central(Bell County) Texas - I recommend Dwarf Orinoco. the ones I had are so hardy.
They die back every Winter & even with the HEAVY freezes last year - they bumped right back up!
I also have a Musa Ornata that came back too - very resilient.

Hope you find what Musa you're looking for! ~Che

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When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace. - Jimi Hendrix