Wintering an Ice Cream Banana- options?
 

I have a 10 ft. tall ICB that I need to bring in before the 1st frost (Charlotte NC/ Zone 7). It's too big to bring inside so either need to pot it and bring in the garage or dig up, wrap in blankets, and put in the crawl space. Anyone have a recommendation as to which option is best?

In Jan and Feb. we'll usually have one or two hard freezes so the crawl space will definately get colder, garage will get cold.

I'm leaning toward digging up and planting in a large pot, if this is the recommended way any advice as far as cutting off leaves, wrapping etc.

Re: Wintering an Ice Cream Banana- options?
 

LRMunday,
I don't like any of those opps. how about you plant it on the protected side of the house in front of a window. then staple a piece of 6 mil plastic to the top and side of the window or house (or make a 2x4 frame to fit infront of the window and banana) and drape the plastic over the banana. mulch the bottom of the plastic to keep the cold air from slipping in. when ever it gets to cold open the window with or without a fan to add heat. all you really need to do is to get the main body of the trunk (not the leaves)through the freeze in order to get bananas next spring. blue java nearly always flowers for me in april - june. Or build the frame cover wt plastic and add a heat sourse. or hire a homeless person to hug it all night.
Also work at making your all of your plants more hardy by subjecting them to colder and colder temps for short periods of time after time after time. jimmmy

Re: Wintering an Ice Cream Banana- options?
 

lrmunday. oh ya you can also use your dryer out let as a heat sourse to save money. jimmmy

Re: Wintering an Ice Cream Banana- options?
 

You can always take out an insurance claim....as in....send Scott a pup during your winter and get an Ice Cream pup in your Spring :) Always thinking :) hehehe

Re: Wintering an Ice Cream Banana- options?
 

Well the option to place the plant in the garage is what i do,the p-stem is saved and the bloom inside(if there is one)
But you really need to figure out what works best for you and try different things untill you come to know what you prefer,but try the garage thing first and see how it goes :)