Newbie Needs Help
 

Which banana plant should a newbie in zone 7b/8a start with?
Any & all info is welcome & if you want to post pictures that would be great.
Thanks so much.

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

I would go with musa Basjoo as one of the easiest and hardiest to start off with.

Here is a picture of one i had as a little pup last year,
i got 7 pups off it in its first season.

Banana Gallery - My first Basjoo

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Kathleen,
Depending how several factors your choices are pretty good. I live in 7a/b and grow several varieties. If you have plenty of room and not looking for fruit, Musa basjoo is a great choice. If you are limited for space, their are several hardy smaller bananas that would work. I think you would be happy with Musa velutina, Musa ornata. Here is a pic of some basjoos growing in 7a/b.

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Now those are proper nanas !!:banana-computer:

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Try Orinoco....it is the only fruiter that anyone has mentioned on this thread. It is hardy in my area, and in yours, you would need mulch. Not Dwarf, but regular height, it is reportedly hardier...

Welcome!

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Thank you Monkey & Randy for the info & pictures of your beautiful banana plants. If I had one banana plant like either of you; I would been thrilled.
Both of you sure have the magic touch in growing these beauties.
Thanks again for answering my post.

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Kathleen,
You should not have any problems getting yours to get like that. The clump in the pic is 3 years old from 3 one gallon containers. Give them a little time and LOTS of water and I promise you will be rewarded with some fantastic looking nanners!!! Keep us posted as to your progress.

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Randy,I don't have any banana plants right now.
When & if I find one,I hope it will grow up like your's :)

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

Kathleen,
If you could, let us in on where you are located in 7b/8a. That could help us kinda steer you in a more suitable direction as to which variety would suit your area better. I know if you happen to be more in the SE, I will have some basjoo available in the near future. I plan on making room for some different bananas I have potted up and will be removing a large mat in about 4 weeks or so. Hey, I am sure there are alot of folks on this board would have just about any type of banana you would want to try. This place is better than any nursery you will ever find and the quality of the plants from these folks are unsurpassed!!! Let us know how we can help you...
Randy

Re: Newbie Needs Help
 

S.C.
Thank you so much for your offer; that would be great.