Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

I would like to add some different varieties to what we are currently growing. I was thinking of the following and didn't know if anyone was growing them and could offer advice on whether they are worth adding (for eating :)

FHIA-03
HuaMoa
Pigogo
Popoulu
Mahoi (Double)
Gold Finger

Still searching for Maqueno.

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

I dunno, manzano (apple), dwarf red, raja puri, some sort of plantain?

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

Get something out of the mysore group, something out of the pisang awak group, and then a standard dessert banana (Williams, Gros Michel, Grand Nain, FHIA-17)

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

Chances are your Ice Cream is a Namwah/Pisang Awak.

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

We purchased it from Going Bananas in Homestead.

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

That's the one that started all the confusion from what I understand. I also have ice cream from Going Bananas. Spoiler Alert......It's a namwah! (I like to call it creamwah just for fun) However don't be too upset that its not the true ice cream. There are several members who have tasted and grown both, and they report that the true ice cream isn't that great after all.

I think you've got some great varieties, but who couldn't use more. Have you considered FHIA-1 or SH-3640? I'm growing both and they have been pretty vigorous in SW Florida. (Still waiting for first fruit to ripen though)

Like you I'm also curious about FHIA-3. I would like to start growing it. ECHO nursery down here had it last spring, but I haven't been there in awhile.

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

FHIA-1 is on our list...hadn't considered SH-3640, but it sounds good. Do you have any FHIA-1 available?

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

You right, I overlooked that. As luck would have it I do have a pup that I should be able to separate. Send me a PM if you would like to do a local trade. I live in the Fort Myers area.

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

Personally, I wouldn't bother with Mahoi. It is just a Dwarf Cavendish that makes two bunches at once, so flavor-wise, you're not getting anything different. But if you like the idea of two bunches at once, then it's the only way to go.

Re: Wanting to add some more varieties (SW FL)...advice?
 

I would definitely get a Brazilian or Dwarf Brazilian. Tough plants with great fruit. Not the fastest to bloom or ripen fruit, but one that I really look forward to eating. Similar to Raja Puri but better flavor and texture, at least in my yard.