Spring time when to set out Bananas
 

I am wondering about night time outside temperatures. Where I am located most nights are in the 60's a few in the 50's, we did have one 49 degree night a few days ago. I want to get my bananas outside to take advantage of the sun, but I am hesitant because I dont know if the outside temperatures would be detrimental to their growth. I have 2 young dwarf cavendish, and 2 dwarf orinico, I am not sure if I spelled that correctly. They have between 5 and 7 leafs and are 8 to 10 inches high, they are TC clones. Any advice there would be appreciated, thanks in advance for any help.

Re: Spring time when to set out Bananas
 

Here are some tips on these transitional spring days...when you want to move your plants out.

First, your average temps are high enough to bring your plants outside.
Your tender overwintered plants usually will sunburn in direct sunlight....keep them in partial light for a week or two.

Do not expect rapid growth in your current cooler temps and keep your watering to a minimum.
Your tc plants will need some extra hardening off care.


If it get too cold in high 30's use that skid jack to bring them in the garage.

Site your plants outside so the containers get some PARTIAL sun which will heat up the container. Enough sun is needed to keep the container warmer than the air temp. This will mimic warmer ground temperature. Do not let the container overheat

You may also site your outdoor plants close to a south wall or or a heatsink paver patio to compensate for the cooler nights.


I have plants outside on pallets ready to move indoors if the temp dips into the 30's.
Some plants are also along a foundation wall
My temps are 40-55 and wet which is still better than the basement.

There are a number of Texas growers whom keep plants in the ground year round... they should be answering soon and offer even deeper insight.

Re: Spring time when to set out Bananas
 

I forgot to mention I am in North TX zone 8a, the last day a frost historically recorded is April 21st. That said a frost in April is rare, and I can easily bring them in if cold weather is predicted.

Re: Spring time when to set out Bananas
 

The TCs need to be conditioned to the bright sun light. They can be easily sun burned. This happened to two of my plants 2 weeks ago in morning sun light. They are inside slowly recovering and new leaves are showing. The sunburn was light, but the leaves slowly died over the past 2 weeks.

Move out side for short periods with some shade and no direct sun light at first. And slowly increase sun light. Protect from the hot afternoon sun, shade or bring inside.

Re: Spring time when to set out Bananas
 

Thanks for the input. How old are your plants. Mine are getting pretty big, and they are under intense indoor light.