Is it Time?
 

The flower first emerged around 4/1/13. How do I know when to harvest and how to cut the bananas off? Is there a special technique? This is obviously my first experience with a fruiting banana plant.

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Re: Is it Time?
 

What type is this and how tall is it? If it is short enough that you can reach it, I usually just saw through the top of the bunch about a foot above the fruit so I can get a good grip. I usually cut off most of what is below the bananas first too. If it is very tall, I saw through the back of the p-stem opposite the side the bananas are. Cut about 2-3 feet from the ground. Part way through sawing, the whole plant will start to tip and then the bananas will be low enough to cut down. May need help if it's something very tall to catch the falling bunch before it hits the ground.

Re: Is it Time?
 

It is a Dwarf Brazilian. The P-stem is about 8 feet and the bunch is probably reachable with a small ladder. Do you think they are ready to be cut down?

Re: Is it Time?
 

Mine never take more than 6 months so it's probably fine. They look pretty plump. It wouldn't hurt to wait until at least 1 is obviously yellow. You probably won't go wrong either way.

Re: Is it Time?
 

Those will probably ripen fine if you harvested them now, but at less than 6 months in So Cal (not the tropics), I'd wait until you see a finger start to turn yellow. The fastest any variety has ripened for me in Ventura is 7 months -- and Dwarf Brazilian is a bit slower. No harm in waiting.

If you are anxious to try them, cut off a single hand or even just a few fingers and see how they ripen.