sproino

On a lark, I bought a Gros Michel from a seller who I suspect is also on this board.

This is my first crack at a tropical plant. I'm reasonably experienced growing peaches, apples, and the like.

So, does big Mike get to be 12', 15', or 24' tall? I've seen conflicting information.

Anybody have experience growing them in pots and keeping them indoors and dormant in winter?

edwmax

Where are you located? this would effect the growing conditions and if you can grow the plant to fruit.

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sproino

I am in New Jersey. Fat Michael will need to spend the winter indoors.

Depending on how tall it gets, I could put it on a south facing enclosed porch, a west-facing storefront, or in a basement.

cincinnana

Welcome to the Jungle..

Have fun here.

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edwmax

I'm growing a GM for the first time myself in zone 9a/8b. What I now know is the GM is cold sensitive and will go dormant when temp drop into the 50's. A cold window could effect the plant. ... GM appears to be difficult to fruit when grown in zones colder than 10 and fruits at about 15 ft pstem, so over all plant hight is much higher. Do you have 20 ft ceilings and room for 25 or 30 gal pot? The GM can be forced to fruit shorter by cutting/trimming the pstem (???).

So far my GM plants have proven to be slow growing plants. Had I known this, I would not be growing the Gros Michel

A GM in you area would need to be in a well controlled greenhouse to grow and fruit. Good Luck. ... Dwarf bananas and short cycle type would be better banana plants for container growing and moving inside/outside as the weather changes.

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HMelendez

Welcome to the banana gang!......

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sproino

Thank you all for the warm welcome.

I've got a good 19' if I put a hatch between my basement and a back room of my shop. Heat would not drop below 60 and I'd have plant lamps and a sunroof. Otherwise, I've got 11'6" in the storefront window.

The pstem dies back after fruiting, right? That would mean I'd only have to move the GM there when it gets too large for the other locations, and keep there until fruiting.

I've wanted to build a greenhouse for ages. If I can keep the GM reasonably happy and healthy until then, I guess it'll have to do.

edwmax

This link give general info about growing banana plant. GM is a heat loving plant and needs the upper warm temps (upper 80's & low 90's) for optimum growth and fruit production. HS10/MG040: Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape

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scottu

good link, thanks!

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Viva La Banana

cincinnana

Sorry to bust the banana bubble .....but YOU will be four years older and a few bucks shorter by the time this plant will try to toss a flower....and for edible fruit..... not in your zone there is just not enough time to do all this in your grow season.

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edwmax

Geee ... Cinici, you are being cruel tonight.

Sproino ... I think Cinici tried to grow the GM in Ohio, He's speaking from experience. And, he is the best cold weather advisor for growing bananas you can get.

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Tytaylor77

Cincinnana isn't being cruel he's being honest! I'm not saying fruiting a GM up there is impossible but it will be very hard. The sun intensity, lack of humidity, temps, etc all play a factor. If you do it inside with artificial light it would cost a fortune. I do not know of anyone who has fruited a GM inside. Or up north.

My GM is growing great I just got it this spring and it loves the heat. I had one the year before last but it died in my greenhouse over winter! It was the only lost plant. They are very sensitive plant outside the tropics!

You have the GM already so grow it the best you can! But my advice is get a short plant you can grow and manage. Like a dwarf Orinoco or raja puri. Both are tough plants and are very easy to grow! They can be fruited up there. Even indoors or in a greenhouse. It will take lots of heat, humidity, and TIME! It can be done and would be way easier with a short plant that is way tougher and more hardy!

Good luck and keep us updated!!

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cincinnana

Oops.... Sorry for the blunt honesty.

Make that I still am growing the plant...lol

The plant is a wonderful plant to grow but it not as predictable or reliable as some of the other plants. The foliage is awesome and makes a great statement though.

Just when you think you will get a flower the growing season is over.
Realize this plant has a large footprint and if one chooses to bring it inside and continue to grow it under lights is a large feet in itself.

The most predictable plant I seem to have is Orinoco in my zone.
The plant tolerates low light, cool temps and loves a container.

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HMelendez

That is completely true!..... No doubts!.....

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edwmax

I agree with Ty. Since you got the plant grow it and report your progress to the forum. The info will certainly help others. ... But I wouldn't spend a bunch of money on trying to save this one during the winters other than storing the dormant corm in a heated basement/garage until warmer weather. If the plant becomes too big to dig the corm, then save the pups for the next year.

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