Recommendations for container bananas
 

Hi —

I've read through quite a bit of this subforum (and wiki) and I have not seen a thread that tries to recommend cultivars that are suitable for containers and the benefits/tradeoffs of each. I don't know if this is because no such thread has ever existed or because it got so contentious that it was deleted (not that that would ever happen on an internet forum...)

Anyway: I would be very interested in reading about opinions on cultivars that do well in containers (or not). In my case/zone, this would include plants that would be brought outside for the summer and inside for the winter. I'm also interested in the question of fruiting container cultivars, but also learning more about those considerations.

One reason I'm asking here is that of course if you go to different websites they'll all tell you that of course this is a good container banana that will also fruit at just the right height with no troubles because they're trying to sell it to you! But maybe this group will have more of a nonprofit perspective on things.

Re: Recommendations for container bananas
 

Hi Petey,

I too am working on a cost effective solution for this. I'm going big, 26-30 gallons for my ice cream, as I have some space (lots of light) and I want lots of room for when I cut it when the fruit is done. I'm hoping the space will allow a pup to hang on so downtime is limited, I guess we'll see. I'd be interested to see what others are doing.

Re: Recommendations for container bananas
 

Here is a link to a thread which might be of interest.
It should offer some good takeaways.

All the plants will reliably fruit in tropical zones.

Good luck!

Re: Recommendations for container bananas
 

Hi cincinnana! I don't think you linked to the thread, but I would very much like to read it.

I am in zone 6b, and I would expect any banana we plant to only be able to spend ~3-4 months a year outside before we have to bring it inside for the winter, so I understand they may take a long time to fruit, or not at all. However, if there are any cultivars that produce more quickly, I would be interested in knowing that.

Re: Recommendations for container bananas
 

As far as which grow best in containers, Im gonna suggest dwarf varieties. Full size plants are somply too large IMO to grow in pots. You also have the option of growing in the ground, and dig up to overwinter. There are threads on this you can search. Best of luck.

Re: Recommendations for container bananas
 

OooOPs.
Here is the link.
.http://www.bananas.org/f15/cold-hard...html#post20583

Plants that are said to be dwarf are usually bigger than a small car indoors.

Expect 3-5+ years for a plant to "think" about making edible fruit in our grow zone.......indoors will take a while.
Timing may vary :)

Re: Recommendations for container bananas
 

Thank you!