Choosing my first banana plant
 

I'm brand new, so please forgive me if this information is already written - I looked but couldn't find any. I need help picking my first plant.

I just found out I can grow a banana plant indoors and can't wait to start! I want to order right now but thought I better use some restraint when I can get some advice from the experts first!

I like large bananas better than small ones, so I was going to get a Gran Nain. Then I found a Double Mahoi and cannot decide which one I should try. I live in CT, so it will be inside in the winter in a corner with a sliding glass door on one wall and another window about 7 feet by 3 feet on the other. (there is another row of decorative windows above the sliding glass door which still let in light, but not as much, which makes the total height a little over 8 feet) My first thought was height of the plant and read the Grand Nain is 6-8 feet. I assume I have to add in more for the pot, and although the ceiling is about 9 feet, I wasn't sure if it could grow if it passed the sliding glass door height or not! 6 feet is great, but 8 would be pushing it and I'm not sure what to expect... It is going behind a lazy boy chair, so I really want whatever variety I get to be at least 5 feet to show it off well! It would be able to go outside in the summer...

Which is easier to grow/get fruit - the grand nain or double mahoi? I appreciate any help I can get!!

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

Well I'd wait till april-may to order your banana so it don't freeze on the way. I'd choose a Double over a GN.. It may be big enough to fruit come summer of 14' if its outside in fll sun during the summer. :^)

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

Dwarf Cavendish get to only 5 feet high and bears good sized fruit. I have one here (South Florida) in the ground . Because I do not grow to many in pots. I would think you will need a 20 gallon pot .. But that would be my choice if I were to grow one inside .. Height can be an issue with indoor banana plants unless you have a 12 foot ceilings .. Best of luck to you and happy growing].
OH BTW coming here is exactly what you should do

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

For me Double Mahoi fruited at a shorter height than Dwarf cavendish,

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

My vote: dwarf Cavendish then double mahoi

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

thanks everyone - that helps! I will rule out the gran nain for now and look at the double mahoi or check out the dwarf cavendish. As for waiting - I just dont know if I can do it! I found some sites that say they check the weather forecast and ship accordingly... if it doesnt make it, I will just have to buy another one in May! I order my saltwater fish in the mail (usually in Jan) and they pack it great and arrive at 78 degrees, so hopefully someone is out there who can pack a banana well too!

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

Since its inside you may even want to try a D. Red. :^)

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

My new hope is for an indoor crop of raja puri! That and d. cavendish are your best options I would say.

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

I'd say go more with Mahoi than Gran Nain, but Dwarf Cavendish is a good idea too. There's actually someone online here who has a D. Cavendish that is fruiting indoors right now. They had to chop the plant back a couple times though. Just remember - Bananas like LOTS of light. As much as you can give them when it comes to growing indoors.

Also, as mentioned earlier, Dwarf Red isn't a bad idea either. Especially considering you will be growing something that doesn't taste so similar to the storebought Gran Nains. (cavendish type in general)

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

DC if U ask me, easy to get and not much damadge if u loose one.
:nanadrink:

Re: Choosing my first banana plant
 

I'd grow a Raja Puri before I ever grow another DC. :^)