Removing Pups
 

I am getting ready to wrap up my Basjoo for the winter and was wondering if its too late to remove the pups. I have one that's 2' and one around 18" the others are all <6". is it ok to remove the biggest 2 and winter them indoors or should I just leave them out with the main plants?

Its my first year with 'hardy' bananas so I am just trying to make sure I do this right.

Thanks

Re: Removing Pups
 

Personally, I would not remove any pups at this late in the game. Basically you are removing roots and leaving a wound on the plant's corm that won't have much time to heal. This opens up the opportunity for rot to set in and such. A month or two, maybe it would have been okay, but probably not now. Just make sure you winterize the plant properly and hope for the best.

Re: Removing Pups
 

Agree with Bryan

Re: Removing Pups
 

I have successfully removed pups in the fall, potted them up and kept them in the house and/or took them to work to overwinter where they not only survived but thrived.

My Muso Basjoo (hardy banana) was the topic of discussion in my office because of it's fast growth, people where amazed.

I would then plant them outside in the spring.

My mother plant was fine.

I have had the mother plant (root system) for about 4 years now in zone 6. I was so happy when it survived last winter.

Good luck.

Re: Removing Pups
 

Ok good, bad or ugly I decided to go for it

this is the pup after being seperated from the main plant.

and now all potted up for the winter indoors.

Re: Removing Pups
 

You are in a zone much better than mine, however this might interest you.
This is an alternate way to ensure your success for next year.
And this is the most cost effective.

This will work in zones 4 on up

http://www.bananas.org/235281-post4.html

Re: Removing Pups
 

Thanks, that looks like it could be the ticket for what I have planned for next year.

Re: Removing Pups
 

I removed a couple in the last two weeks, I don't remove more than one at one time, so as not to expose too much tissue to rot. Your plant will probably be okay as long as it can scab over well before cold sits in. In the house I get some growth over winter, but not nearly like outside, and in the greenhouse growth is pretty slow even with some heat, I think the days are too short.

Re: Removing Pups
 

Make sure it gets plenty of light :)