Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

I live in Dallas Texas and we are soon about to get the first frost. Has been close once or twice but nothing bad. My bananas still seems to be growing a bit.
I am primarily concerned about my big IceCream.
I will dig up they key ones, my IC and a relatively big Gran Nain and a mystery one that I bought at Costco.
What I dont know is when to do it, before the frost while they are still growing or after first very light frost when I start to see some leaf damage.
What are your opinions?

Thanks

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

I can't speak specific for IC, but I think you should be okay with a light frost.
They are pretty hardy, and if large they stems and corms will be fine.
don't ya just love this time of year?...

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

I brought mine in after the first signs of leaf damage. They did take quite a bit of cold and after the leaves looked like they were starting to turn brown I dug them up. They did start growing right away after.

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

I don't have the issue, but would think about it this way. Any temp or condition which would damage the tissue of any portion that I was planning to store should be avoided. Storing damaged tissue couldn't be a good thing, inviting mold and rot, in my view.

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

I follow this
:nanadrink:

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

If you plant out the naners before the frost, it is possible to let them be dormant for a while and then grow during the winter inside.
Also, if you leave them outisde to freeze, they might start rotting. Or at least some varieties have the tendency to rot after being frost-burnt.

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

I let mine get lightly frosted if I want to store them dormant. I think it helps put them out of "growth mode".
If I'm doing them potted, before frost, and while leaves look good.
And if you change your mind after they're frosted and want to pot them instead, then you end up with ugly bananas in the greenhouse for a while until they start growing again! That's what I did this year.

Re: Dig up before frost or after first light freeze?
 

All of my Tall Brazilians took a major hit last year when the freeze/frost moved in.
Leaves turned purple then fell away.
At the least, take the pups before the weather tries to ruin everything. Put them into the garage under a grow light till Spring. Call it insurance. Dallas weather can be tricky... Grew up in that area...remember having a month under the freezing temp with freezing rains and tons of snow.