NANAMAN

I've noticed from years past that the fruit formed on plants with less than 5 healthy leaves will still ripen, but may take as much as 6 or more months, and usually the quality of the fruit will not be optimum. For that reason I cut them down. This year I have already cut down (Ae Ae, Raja Puri, Manzano, Golden Pillow, Datil, and 3640) all with fruit! The leaves that these plants did have were shredded, partially brown, and generally ratty looking. I just could not stand to look at them any more. Now the yard looks much more bare, but not so unsightly. Besides, the remaining pups from these mats will all produce fruit by the end of summer, providing we don't have some freak storms or some more hurricanes this year. For me, the only thing worse than not having bananas, would be to have to look at pathetic, shabby looking plants for up to 9 months, only to find the fruit at the end of my labor, was sub par quality.I guess I'm just spoiled!

I understand that to many on this forum, that may seem harsh or unreasonable, but I can get away with it in my climate. I do feel extremely lucky to live in S. Fl.

My hat is off to all who grow bananas in more temperate places. The stories that I read about peoples efforts are nothing short of heroic! Absolutely Inspiring! Thank you Bananas.org members.

__________________