When should I get started?

caliboy1994 · 09-10-2011, 12:25 AM

Hey all! I think I want to get some seeded bananas growing for next season, particularly M. Velutina and M. Itinerans 'Gigantea.' When should I get started? It's September now and growing season here in SoCal starts in April. I don't know how long these seeds take to sprout, but I know for some species it can be months. When I plant them in the early growing season I want them to be decent size but not too big, just big enough so that they can get established easily. Any recommendations as to when I should get started? Thanks!

jmoore · 09-10-2011, 02:19 AM

Start now as there's no knowing how long the seeds will take to sprout, if at all.

caliboy1994 · 09-10-2011, 02:39 PM

I'll order the seeds ASAP then.

caliboy1994 · 09-10-2011, 02:42 PM

And how many seeds should I buy if I'm only looking to have one or two of each plant in my yard? I'm not experienced with germinating.

sunfish · 09-10-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caliboy1994

And how many seeds should I buy if I'm only looking to have one or two of each plant in my yard? I'm not experienced with germinating.

10 0f each

caliboy1994 · 09-10-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunfish

10 0f each

Alright, that should be pretty cheap. I'll buy those. Thanks!

varig8 · 09-10-2011, 05:04 PM

My first thoughts on this was; Why do you want to start them from seed? If its just for the fun of starting from seed and watching them grow, then great! It can be very rewarding. Although with Musa seed, its a bit of a gamble, so don't be too disappointed if things dont turn out as you might expect.
Lots of variables are in play here, i.e., viability, and obtaining fresh seed, time variants, as well as particulars involving the treatment of seed (if any) to be planted.
If its just that you would like to have these certain Musa in your collection, then forgo all of this seed sprouting business and just purchase the size you prefer and get them going straight away. Neither of these types are expensive or hard to obtain. I've gone both routes over the years and have been successful with only a handful of the seeded varieties. Its been so much easier to purchase freshly dug suckers, or already established and potted plants. Once they are in the ground and even minimally cared for, they grow rapidly under most circumstances. The Velutina, as with most of the erect flowering ornamentals, produce suckers profusely and you will have an excess very quickly compared to many other Musa types! Then you will have tons of seed to play with and try out different methods of seed treatment for germination.

caliboy1994 · 09-10-2011, 05:35 PM

I know it would be better to obtain suckers, but the problem is I live in California, a state that has lots of plant importing restrictions. In fact, it's more of a plant quarantine.

It would be really tough to get live plants to my house from out of state because of these restrictions. If I'm going to get live plants, I have to get them from someone who lives in California. This is why I originally thought I should start them from seed, because I should have no problem getting seeds from out of state. But if there's anyone in California who has these I'd be happy to get live plants instead. But if I'm getting live plants I have to wait until next growing season. Let me know if you know anyone who has these!

Olafhenny · 09-10-2011, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caliboy1994

I know it would be better to obtain suckers, but the problem is I live in California, a state that has lots of plant importing restrictions. In fact, it's more of a plant quarantine.

California has a very important fruit and agriculture industry on which it depends for much of its GDP.
Therefore it is quite understandable, that it has strict import restriction on plants. However bananas are
not exactly a cash crop in CA, nor are any of your cash crops related to bananas.

Accordingly I wonder if you ever have enquired about bananas specifically?

Olaf

sunfish · 09-10-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caliboy1994

I know it would be better to obtain suckers, but the problem is I live in California, a state that has lots of plant importing restrictions. In fact, it's more of a plant quarantine.

It would be really tough to get live plants to my house from out of state because of these restrictions. If I'm going to get live plants, I have to get them from someone who lives in California. This is why I originally thought I should start them from seed, because I should have no problem getting seeds from out of state. But if there's anyone in California who has these I'd be happy to get live plants instead. But if I'm getting live plants I have to wait until next growing season. Let me know if you know anyone who has these!

.ou can get tc plants from outside California,

caliboy1994 · 09-11-2011, 05:48 PM

Oh really? I didn't know that. I guess I'll be looking for some next spring :P

varig8 · 09-11-2011, 07:18 PM

Try these guys, they have lots of Musa Varieties. They are in San Diego. ENCANTO FARMS NURSERY

caliboy1994 · 09-11-2011, 07:39 PM

Perfect! Over 60 varieties! I'm sure they'll have most of the ones that I want.

caliboy1994 · 09-11-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olafhenny

California has a very important fruit and agriculture industry on which it depends for much of its GDP.
Therefore it is quite understandable, that it has strict import restriction on plants. However bananas are
not exactly a cash crop in CA, nor are any of your cash crops related to bananas.

Accordingly I wonder if you ever have enquired about bananas specifically?

Olaf

I have actually asked the Department of Agriculture. They said that they can't ship bananas from out of state because of a few diseases that they can carry. So I had to wait until a nearby nursery got some.

caliboy1994 · 09-11-2011, 08:10 PM

Looks like they have all the edible varieties I'll ever need!

But I didn't see any ornamentals, and I'm going to be wanting a few of those. I'm sure some people here in CA have some velutina and 'Gigantea' pups though.

sandy0225 · 09-12-2011, 01:27 PM

I can ship to california even though I'm in Indiana, but I have to send the plants barerooted and washed clean of soil. I have to include my nursery dealers license number on the outside of the box, how many and what kind of plants they are. And write ok to open for ag inspection on the box too.
Bananas are no problem to get through. But peppers and tomatoes are practically impossible.

caliboy1994 · 09-12-2011, 03:45 PM

Ok, I'll take a look at your site and see what you've got. I already know who I'm getting my edible varieties from, though.

09-10-2011, 12:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	When should I get started? Hey all! I think I want to get some seeded bananas growing for next season, particularly M. Velutina and M. Itinerans 'Gigantea.' When should I get started? It's September now and growing season here in SoCal starts in April. I don't know how long these seeds take to sprout, but I know for some species it can be months. When I plant them in the early growing season I want them to be decent size but not too big, just big enough so that they can get established easily. Any recommendations as to when I should get started? Thanks! __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-10-2011, 02:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
jmoore jmoore 's Photo Gallery Location: Lowestoft, UK Zone: 8a Name: James Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 766 BananaBucks : 127,618 Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Thanks" 192 Times Was Thanked 799 Times in 373 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 71 Times	Re: When should I get started? Start now as there's no knowing how long the seeds will take to sprout, if at all.

09-10-2011, 02:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? I'll order the seeds ASAP then. __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-10-2011, 02:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? And how many seeds should I buy if I'm only looking to have one or two of each plant in my yard? I'm not experienced with germinating. __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-10-2011, 05:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
varig8 Member varig8's Photo Gallery Location: miami Zone: 10-11 Name: varig8 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 266 BananaBucks : 44,714 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 74 Times Was Thanked 383 Times in 144 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 3 Times	Re: When should I get started? My first thoughts on this was; Why do you want to start them from seed? If its just for the fun of starting from seed and watching them grow, then great! It can be very rewarding. Although with Musa seed, its a bit of a gamble, so don't be too disappointed if things dont turn out as you might expect. Lots of variables are in play here, i.e., viability, and obtaining fresh seed, time variants, as well as particulars involving the treatment of seed (if any) to be planted. If its just that you would like to have these certain Musa in your collection, then forgo all of this seed sprouting business and just purchase the size you prefer and get them going straight away. Neither of these types are expensive or hard to obtain. I've gone both routes over the years and have been successful with only a handful of the seeded varieties. Its been so much easier to purchase freshly dug suckers, or already established and potted plants. Once they are in the ground and even minimally cared for, they grow rapidly under most circumstances. The Velutina, as with most of the erect flowering ornamentals, produce suckers profusely and you will have an excess very quickly compared to many other Musa types! Then you will have tons of seed to play with and try out different methods of seed treatment for germination. Last edited by varig8 : 09-10-2011 at 05:08 PM.

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09-10-2011, 05:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? I know it would be better to obtain suckers, but the problem is I live in California, a state that has lots of plant importing restrictions. In fact, it's more of a plant quarantine. It would be really tough to get live plants to my house from out of state because of these restrictions. If I'm going to get live plants, I have to get them from someone who lives in California. This is why I originally thought I should start them from seed, because I should have no problem getting seeds from out of state. But if there's anyone in California who has these I'd be happy to get live plants instead. But if I'm getting live plants I have to wait until next growing season. Let me know if you know anyone who has these! __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-11-2011, 05:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? Oh really? I didn't know that. I guess I'll be looking for some next spring :P __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-11-2011, 07:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
varig8 Member varig8's Photo Gallery Location: miami Zone: 10-11 Name: varig8 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 266 BananaBucks : 44,714 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 74 Times Was Thanked 383 Times in 144 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 3 Times	Re: When should I get started? Try these guys, they have lots of Musa Varieties. They are in San Diego. ENCANTO FARMS NURSERY

09-11-2011, 07:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? Perfect! Over 60 varieties! I'm sure they'll have most of the ones that I want. __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-11-2011, 08:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? Looks like they have all the edible varieties I'll ever need! But I didn't see any ornamentals, and I'm going to be wanting a few of those. I'm sure some people here in CA have some velutina and 'Gigantea' pups though. __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

09-12-2011, 01:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
sandy0225 Northern Tropics sandy0225's Photo Gallery Location: Muncie, Indiana zone 5 Find me on the map! Zone: zone 5 Name: Sandy Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,718 BananaBucks : 384,556 Feedback: 31 / 97% Said "Thanks" 38 Times Was Thanked 1,801 Times in 682 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 9 Times	Re: When should I get started? I can ship to california even though I'm in Indiana, but I have to send the plants barerooted and washed clean of soil. I have to include my nursery dealers license number on the outside of the box, how many and what kind of plants they are. And write ok to open for ag inspection on the box too. Bananas are no problem to get through. But peppers and tomatoes are practically impossible. __________________ Sandy Burrell Northern Tropics Greenhouse 1501 East Fuson Road Muncie, IN 47302 www.northerntropics.com specializing in bananas, heirloom tomatoes and water gardening plants~ check out our new online store at our website!

09-12-2011, 03:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
caliboy1994 <div style="font-style: italic;"><div style="font-style: italic;"></div></div> caliboy1994's Photo Gallery Location: SFV, California Find me on the map! Zone: USDA zone 10a; Sunset zone 18/19 Name: Andreas Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2,301 BananaBucks : 271,767 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,474 Times Was Thanked 2,196 Times in 1,148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 236 Times	Re: When should I get started? Ok, I'll take a look at your site and see what you've got. I already know who I'm getting my edible varieties from, though. __________________ "The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings." ~ Masanobu Fukuoka Find me on linktree here as Solarpunk Farmer: https://linktr.ee/solarpunkfarmer

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