Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

I saw an incredible looking banana plant and ordered one. It's called a Musa Rojo Zebrina. And I'd really like to find out how well it can do in my climate [or colder]. If anyone has had success growing this in zone 7 or lower, I'd really appreciate any information or advice I can get. :)

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

One site says zone 7, another zone 9. Anything red isn't going to take cold well. Ornamentals.... :^)

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Hi. I am currently trying to germinate some musa zebrina seeds, i have been told these can take anywhere from 3 months to even over a year to germinate. I really hope these do germinate.

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Try this link
ENCANTO FARMS

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

I really like this plant I have three the bordelon check it out here
ENCANTO FARMS

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Cory, I have them here in 8b. Last winter they were stunted terribly. I imagine zone 8 without protection. Zone 7 with protection should be doable.

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Glad you joined the org san:woohoonaner:i think it will be easier if you just bought the plant:ha: :ha: :ha:

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Hi mush :ha:didn't know you was joined to this forum. I am starting to wonder wether i should just buy one?. You know me though mate i like to sow seed it gives me satisfaction and i can truly call it my own.

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Growing from seed would be a lot more satisfying. But with my extreme lack of patience, I'd prolly die of stroke before they even started to germinate! :ha: Best of luck with the seeds!

I'm a real noob at this so I suppose I should have added. I will definitely be bringing all my banana plants inside for the winter. I'll be using the "dormancy" method I've been reading about in the threads. My main concern is if they will grow and be healthy during the summers here. Sorry, I seem to have forgotten to mention that.
Thanks for the great information so far! :)

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

I always bring my Zebrina inside in my Zone 7a. Wouldn't have the guts to try to overwinter outside. That said, if anyone does, please be sure and let us know the results!

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

I'll second Saltydad's request for information from people who have overwintered Zebrinas outside in zone 7a. :)

Saltydad: Do you have photos of your Zebrina? I'd love to see how good they grow in zone 7a since I'm in almost the same zone! :)

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

I have tried several times and even storing the large corms under the house with NO luck!!! I am borderline 7a/b, in SE TN. The only way I can have them is to overwinter either inside or in friends heated greenhouse. Moisture does them in for me at least during the winter. All I can tell you is if you are willing to try it, be sure to save a pup so you will have a "back up".... I honestly would not hold out much hope, but that is for me in my climate...
Good luck in whatever you do!!! They are beautiful bananas...

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Here's a topdown view of it. It's a beautiful plant. The fellow who gave me the corm called it a 'red banana'!

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Omg! That's even better than the ad photo where I ordered mine. :D It looks very healthy [good work]! If it can do that in zone 7a, I'm happy. Is that a pup in the photo, low and just to the right of center?
Randy4ut: Thanks for the information! There is a warm room in the house where I could store it for the winter and I'll definitely watch for backup pups.
Thanks everybody! :)

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Indeed it does have a pup.

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

in Tennessee, I have them, but I have to bring them inside during the winter. check out my gallery under the folder "Zebrina".

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Here is one from 2008:



This is the group of corms I tried to overwinter in 2007 under the house. UNSUCCESSFULLY!!!

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

They definitely do not like cool conditions, that is for sure. They regularly die back to the ground for me even here in the Houston area. When I lived in Missouri I just potted up a pup and kept it growing in my living room all winter.

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

Missouri is very close to my location. The house we left, in Kansas, always stayed above 72*F in the winter so I'm sure it will be the same here. Thanks for that information. :D

Randy4ut: Ow! Sorry to hear that. Those are some nice banana plants you had! Best of luck for this year. :)

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

I take my hat off to you randy4ut. Here in the uk we would never get one that size not unless it lived most of its days in a heated greenhouse. These are classed more of a summer bedding plant here in the uk. I have never seen one that size before and it is awesome. WELL DONE

Re: Growing Musa Zebrina in zone 7?
 

8 year bump....

I moved to Georgia 7b. Wondering if anyone has tried to overwinter with mulch in 7b/8a and how it went.