Winter ordering?
 

Here it is dead of winter still in Ohio, but id like to start ordering some bananas from a few places (possibly from Fla.). Is it wise to place some orders for anything now, Or should I wait out a few more weeks into March to have these tender plants shipped? On my end, I am ready with room for plants in a winter grow tent in my house, but I would hate to receive something barely alive after a shipment with damage from the weather. What have most of you northern growers done in this scenario or have experienced?

Re: Winter ordering?
 

Even down here I wouldn't order till March. :^)

Re: Winter ordering?
 

I am not living in the North but would be more patient for a few more weeks. Even if you have a grow tent, shipping will be stressful for your plants. Also temperature and day length will have an impact on your plants.
BTW: what kind of banana plants are you looking for to buy and from who? Have you considered to buy some from one of our knowledgeable members here on bananas.org?

Re: Winter ordering?
 

Tough call. Years ago I ordered some and the shipment was delayed until spring. It got warm and nice and the week they were shipped we had a late season cold snap and my order was DOA. I'd wait if I were you.

Trust me, I'm ancy too! I'm scoping out the yard that is covered in snow right now planning what I want to do trying to remember just how shady some spots were last season and so on. Just a few months to go, hang in there!

:drum:

Re: Winter ordering?
 

Currently I've decided on Orinoco (regular or dwarf), Mekong Giant, and dwarf lady finger. Up here, basjoo is available at a green house I know not too far away. I've been weary of getting too ambitious tho at this time of year and shipping what's next on my list. So it's good to hear to hold off with any others till march/ April. I'd love to order from here from any members when the spring arrives that actually would probably be an ideal choice. lol

Re: Winter ordering?
 

Lol I been doing the same thing too looking at my yard and pond area for high and low spots and places that will look the best for next years winter bed with decent drainage. I guess that's pretty much all we can do at this stage till our sping thaw comes. I can't wait till I hear those spring peepers that's when I know winter is pretty much over lol:08:

Re: Winter ordering?
 

The only thing banana-wise that you could order now for early growing-out up north is a good corm from someone in Fla or south Cali. TC's won't survive the shipping and will die off after potting. Waiting is good.

Grab some Leinies and go ice fishing. I used to wade the rivers with snow on the banks in Jan and Feb and catch the best trout you ever tasted. Man, I miss that stuff. Untill the pompano start running again down in Jensen. :ha:

Re: Winter ordering?
 

I'd wait....mail sorting facilities and their trucks are rarely heated very well if at all. I'd hate to see you spend money and then have things get frozen or cold damaged.

Re: Winter ordering?
 

Orinocos are very common and they pup like rabbits -I should have some - probably many members will have pups available in springtime. What size are you looking for?
Can't help with the other two.
jose