Musa Velutina, seeds or specimen
 

Hello, i am new to forum and also bananas. I hope this is the right section of my topic in the forum. So, i have decided to grow M. Velutina for my first bananas. However there are some of questions in my mind about this species. I will care the plant in a container; however, i don't know which way i have to start with; from seeds or via a specimen. Seeds are rather cheap, easy to transport and you can have more plants (more diverse DNA) with the same amount of money. Also i like to grow plants from seeds and that is what i want to do with my bananas. But i doubt if i can produce fruits so soon if i go with seeds. On the other hand, i guess the possibility to get fruit from a specimen in the first year is higher compared to seeds. So, when do you think it will bear fruits when i use seeds or specimen. What are the pros and cons of two methods?

Thanks so Much!

Re: Musa Velutina, seeds or specimen
 

I got some seeds free from a member here. It took almost 6 months to sprout. Then a little over a year to flower/fruit. It was pretty easy to care for I kept it in a pot for the first 8 months or so but when I planted it in the ground it really took off. I used it as a hardiness test and left it in the ground protected like my bassoon and it never came back this spring. It was really neat to grow one from a seed to fruit(especially here in Ohio!) so I'd suggest doing that but I'd you want to speed up the process than buy a plant...if you have any more question or anything just ask...

Re: Musa Velutina, seeds or specimen
 

Thanks a lot, natej. Actually, i have done a research about the germination of banana seeds and it seems to be a little difficult. Nevertheless, i am going to give it a try. But, i do not have the special equipments and chemicals for banana seeds. What are the minimum requierments for it to sprout? And do you think it would be appropriate to use aquarium heating system (in shallow aquarium water in a bag) rather that heat mat, etc ?

Thanks!

Re: Musa Velutina, seeds or specimen
 

You do not need chemicals to germinate banana seed

Re: Musa Velutina, seeds or specimen
 

Yes velutina are supposed to be some of the easiest to sprout. I just put mine in a mini greenhouse with the peat pods it was only 5 or 6 bucks at walmart. Then kept in a warm place. I have some pics in my gallery if you want to check them out...