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-   -   Winterization (http://www.bananas.org/f2/winterization-19117.html)

Abnshrek 10-07-2013 10:08 AM

Winterization
 
Most effective method.. :^)



This is my least favorite method.. I prefer Heat-taping my outdoor banana's since there is no bulbs to replace it just works. Wrapping the banana is basically same method with a much more reliable heater in a heat-tape.







An Namwah I wrapped up.. Now this was fun.. believe you me.. :^)



Unwrapped Feb 23rd last year and lost this stem to frost..



Of course it recovered nicely.. :^)



This is a DC after unwrapping in 2010, I had it wrapped in trash bags filled w/ straw and wrapped w/ a heat-tape.. This is my 1st and last DC flower (flowered in 10 months).. It rotted in place.


robert0514 10-07-2013 03:16 PM

Re: Winterization
 
I'm usually forced to do the method with lights, works quite often for me. Also the picture of the DC is very intriguing, if I am correct is the flower coming straight out of a 2ft pseudostem.

Abnshrek 10-07-2013 03:36 PM

Re: Winterization
 
The Dc Choked hard as you can see there was more stem..



Here's the flower exposed.



Fingers exposed



Flower / Fruit demise..


edzone9 10-07-2013 06:56 PM

Re: Winterization
 
AB must admit you have a great technic for winterizing !..
Amazing they still fruit under those conditions .

P.s. nice size front yard !:08:

crazy banana 10-07-2013 08:36 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Very nice job! Do you mind sharing where to get the heat tape? Cannot find it at HD or Loewes...

Abnshrek 10-07-2013 08:44 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy banana (Post 230637)
Very nice job! Do you mind sharing where to get the heat tape? Cannot find it at HD or Lowes...

I don't what the length you need but its always better to have to much than not enough so I get the longest one I can get.. They used to have 40ft'ers, but only carry 30' now days @ Hoe Depot-online.. If you get 2 they ship for free.. :^)
Frost King 30 ft. Automatic Electric Heat Cable Kit-HC30 at The Home Depot

crazy banana 10-07-2013 08:51 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Nice. Thank you. They do not have it in the stores here in SoCal, but I should have checked the websites.... Want to try this...

Mj 10-08-2013 05:31 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Question from a first time banana grower in zone 7 (Tennessee). I was given a small tree in the spring and thought I'd see how it would do. It's now about 8 ft tall with a couple of 5 ft shoots. They've become a nice looking little family. I'm not growing them for fruit but do want them back next year. I've seen several in the area come back year after year after being cut back and mulched. My question is: Should I cut them before first frost or let them die down naturally and then cut them back. I really don't want to dig them up. Although I do have a large crawl space I could use if I have to.

Abnshrek 10-08-2013 05:48 PM

Re: Winterization
 
I don't know what type you have (you can post a pic and someone should be able to narrow it down)? I have Orinoco's here that I don't do anything till spring.. IE trim leaves off and trim back a bit.. :^)

Mj 10-08-2013 11:20 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Sorry, Don't know the type. That's a picture of my tree by my name. I don't ever see any banana trees here through the winter, though.

Mj 10-09-2013 12:03 AM

Re: Winterization
 
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Abnshrek 10-09-2013 08:53 AM

Re: Winterization
 
Can anyone help MJ out? I think the plant needs alot more mulch if its going to stay out where it is..

Mj 10-09-2013 12:46 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Actually, Abnshrek, I haven't mulched it yet. We probably still have another month of fall weather. The elephant ear in front winters over ok. The boston fern is potted and will come inside. I had planned on cutting the banana stalks to about a foot and covering them with a couple of feet of straw. Thats what most in this area do. ( I'm in Knoxville, TN) I don't know if I should cut it before it freezes or wait till it turns brown.

Abnshrek 10-09-2013 04:35 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mj (Post 230757)
Actually, Abnshrek, I haven't mulched it yet. We probably still have another month of fall weather. The elephant ear in front winters over ok. The boston fern is potted and will come inside. I had planned on cutting the banana stalks to about a foot and covering them with a couple of feet of straw. Thats what most in this area do. ( I'm in Knoxville, TN) I don't know if I should cut it before it freezes or wait till it turns brown.

Mulch helps hold water during the summer.. It breaks down pretty fast, but I think it helps feed the plants as it breaks down, whether that be due to worms, Rollie-Pollies, termites, etc.. eating it up and leaving good stuff behind.. :^)

blownz281 10-09-2013 05:45 PM

Re: Winterization
 
Basjoo

Mj 10-10-2013 12:55 AM

Re: Winterization
 
Thanks. It looks like you're right from what I can see.

Duckfood 10-10-2013 07:23 AM

Re: Winterization
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Mj (Post 230757)
( I'm in Knoxville, TN) I don't know if I should cut it before it freezes or wait till it turns brown.

The answer, in my opinion, is somewhere in the middle... I'd wait until the first freeze and then chop... I would not wait "Till it turns brown"...

Mj 10-10-2013 08:43 AM

Re: Winterization
 
Thanks. Will try that.

designshark 10-10-2013 10:29 AM

Re: Winterization
 
Looks like a basjoo to me too. It should be fine no matter which method you choose. I'd wait 'til frost too before doing anything.

Abnshrek 10-14-2013 06:55 AM

Re: Winterization
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy banana (Post 230637)
Very nice job! Do you mind sharing where to get the heat tape? Cannot find it at HD or Loewes...

Here is a 40' Heat-Tape and 3 bucks cheaper than Hoe Depot.. :^)

Easy Heat Inc AHB-140 40' Auto Heating Cable

While I'm @ it what is the best Frost Cloth you have used?


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