New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

Hi, I just found this website today on my search for banana plants. I was considering ordering from one of the online websites I have seen, but after reading some of the comments that the places sometimes just send you what they have and not what you ordered I'm a bit hesitant now. I live in the DFW area so zone 8a.

I was wondering if anyone here in the USA was selling those varieties (on this website) or knew somewhere a bit more reputable to order from online?

I definitely want one of the ice creams.... its kinda how I talked my SO into letting me add some to the yard. But im more flexible on the dwarf Orinoco. I just really need something that can tolerate the wind and heat and somewhat cold resistant. I'm planning to shorten the plants and bring them in for winter.

Thanks in Advance :)

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

I don't know if u got any southern protected exposure, but Fhia-02 and Sh 3640's are the best tasting I've grown that stay in the ground.. Of course I pot up my Veinte Cohols every winter.. no need to plant Orinoco u can get them from Fiesta any time u like..

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. How protected do they need to be? I was going to plant the bananas along the southern wall of our house.

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

In zone 8a you'll need to transport it indoors or to a heated greenhouse at least 4 months a year. Otherwise, it will die outdoors in your winter.

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

Yes i wasn't sure if i should try wintering dormant-ish in the garage, or if i should trim the plant and put in a container in the house before it drops to 50 degrees outside.

I wasn't sure which worked best or if i should try to experiment and see.

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

Hey, where in DFW do you live? I live in North Dallas area and have these varieties and you have two options,

1) Like mentioned here earlier in the thread, dig them up and bring the "telephone poles" into the garage for keep over winter or
2) cover with frost cloth and then Christmas light followed by a second layer of frost cloth. My new favorite method. I used this for 3 bananas DW and ICE this winter and they are all sprouting new growth despite getting down to 9F this New Years eve.

If you live close by send me a PM.

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

I recommend to take NPH advice! He has done an amazing job of learning how to use this method and has been very successful with it. He should have 3 blooms this year!

With smart planting locations (south side of buildings) and this method of overwintering, I know several people getting blooms and even fruit in zone 8a. It takes work, but not even close to the work of digging them up!

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

I agree with NPH and Ty! I protected my plants in a similar manner to NPH and got them through the 21F low temps we had in my backyard this past January. It takes some thought, effort, and probably a bit of luck but its possible.

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

Ah thank you. Im going to pm nph, but i didnt realize i could get away with covering them up here. I thought for sure it would be too cold. :)

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

I would grow them safely first. When you get pups, they can be your “backups”.

Over winter keep the pups safe just in case!
Always have a backup!

Re: New Member LF Ice Cream and Dwarf Orinoco in Texas (USA)
 

Just to give you a heads up. I ordered plants awhile back from sddarkman619 on this site and am very happy with what I received. I am growing my plants indoors in an Arboretum. Along with "Grow More" fertilizer that I bought from Crazy Banana again on this site) I have an indoor Jungle growing in my house.
2- Blue Java "Ice Cream"
2- Manzano
2- Gros Michel

Craig:2722: