Bananas.org - View Single Post - Canadian Members, good banana sources in Canada?

Olafhenny · 03-04-2012, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willy1der

There are a few places that have told me to call back in a month or so and They could see what they could do about a special order with there own suppliers .Rice road in st cathrines(or welland) sounds the most promising.They carried a few tropical varieties last summer but I was to late.

Hardy Tropicals | Rice Road Greenhouses and Garden Centre

I have managed to start a few varieties from seed and I am paying to overwinter them at a greenhouse till they get to a good size to overwinter bareroot.The only bananas I have seen in the london and area are basjoos,ensetes ,sdc's,truly tiny etc.

I have obtained my first Basjoo from Canadian Tire garden shop in May 2010. This one was
clearly identified on the attached tag, complete with hardiness indication etc. and has not
disappointed. It is now a healthy plant, doing its second winter (See:
My Banana Experience (or lack of it))

I have since seen banana plants as centre pieces in potted arrangements sold in "The Great
Canadian Superstore". I doubt, that many of the buyers were even aware, that the big leaved
plant was actually a banana and probably tossed the whole thing out in late fall. I also saw
individual bananas displayed in the local (Penticton) Art Knapp's Garden
Centre, - again not
labeled as to the species. These plants usually show up in May, maybe late
April, about the same
time as tomatoes.

Looking for Canadian sources appears to be a wise choice. I ordered a Siam Ruby from the states
in late 2010 from the states, but it took 3 weeks to get here, - probably due to customs delay. It
arrived in deplorable shape and after some initial sign of life died on me.

Good luck!
Olaf