Originally Posted by hydroid

Hi damaclese;
I live in zone 9 and was given some Williams bananas and they have been very hardy. I have Basjoo, Saba, Ornata, Red, and a few local hand me downs (Orinocos maybe?).
My ground must be perfect for those Williams because I already have fruit and only protected them by putting straw around the base of the plants this past winter. They are pupping like crazy. I think I read somewhere that there is an optimum growing temperature and I notice that when it gets really hot here I notice more growth during the night and early morning (ie when I get up).
I'm waiting on those Sabas to blast off, my 2 yr. olds are just starting to pass up my Orinocos, but not a single pup on them yet.
But for now, the Williams has been most impressive.
Your milage may vary, hope this helps.
hydroid