Initial setup
 

I just bought 1 each of Dwarf Cavendish, Gold Finger" FHIA-1, and Gran Nain and will start them in pots. I typically use a combination of peat,perlite,sand and then put compost and/or mulch on top of my potted stuff.

Im in zone 8b so i think it would be better to just leave them in pots until spring or could they just go outside in a month?

For future reference... winterizing... i watched a youtube video saying to cut back the main stem after the first frost and cover with lots of straw/mulch to keep them warmer. Is that the best way to do it? I would prefer not to dig them up every year.... alternative is container grow on patio... which would allow me to keep it in the sun for more hours but it would be harder to keep watered.

Noob question... does a banana flower, produce fruit and ripen within the same growing season?

Re: Initial setup
 

I'm just getting started myself and am interested in the answers re keeping in pots until spring. I have so many Gran Nain pups in pots it's not even funny. Also have a basjoo and a goldfinger that are young and just barely ready to hit the ground, but am apprehensive to do so at this point in the season here in Charleston, SC. I'm thinking about rigging up some sort of greenhouse. I just don't know I have gotten out of control with these things :)

Re: Initial setup
 

Charleston..Great low country grow zone..

Re: Initial setup
 

Yes and especially in my backyard. The setup is sun from 10 to almost sunset with heat radiating off the cement siding and reflective windows. If I really knew what I was doing I'd be dangerous but I am learning a lot from you people on this forum. I'm very happy I found y'all :)

Re: Initial setup
 

That all depends on when the banana flowers. If it flowers in April, you will get ripe fruit that summer. If it flowers in November, the fruit won't be ripe until late spring or early summer the next year (assuming you don't get a bad freeze over the winter).

Re: Initial setup
 

Thanks much. one of them died pretty quickly. The two others already doubled in size i think. I will be leaving them in the pot and brinignt them in over winter and hopefuly i get some fruit next year.

Re: Initial setup
 

Good luck!