Newbie questions...
 

Hi all,

Hope this is the right place for this thread.

I have started prepping my holes for new bananas, we are in sandy clay (or clay with sand). It was a melon field a year ago. I have dug down 2 feet, put compost, and some soil back in.

Now i need advice on where to get "pups"...

I would like to grow:
Orinoco
Ice Cream
Musa basjoo
Musa 'lady finger'
And would like advice on a ornamental or two.

Is the Lady Finger red when ripe? Or are there different varieties of Lady Fingers?

What online source or sources would you recommend?
What price range are the plants?

How deep generally do the roots of bananas grow?
(I ask that one as one of the spots selected for planting is near the underground power line (5 feet deep)).

We are in zone 9-10, and get strong winds are there better choices of bananas?

So much to learn


Thanks

Gecko

Re: Newbie questions...
 

Where are you located?

I have a couple of Ice Creams that I am in the mood to trade.

Whaddaya got?

Re: Newbie questions...
 

Nannas have shallow roots - not 5 ft. I would read as much as you can here. All these questions are answered here somewhere & I know there is a lot to learn.
As for pups, someone here might give you a deal or you can check Ebay. I bought several TC's (tissue cultured) nannas on Ebay. Or, you can buy or trade w/ members of the ORG.

Re: Newbie questions...
 

One of the members here (pitangadiego) has a primer on growing bananas that is available online here: http://webebananas.com/FESTIVAL%20OF...%20Handout.pdf

Re: Newbie questions...
 

Thanks.

I have been reading a lot and following threads.

The Link from the CRFG was really good.

Any advice for online orders?

I was looking at bananaplants.net any issues I need to know about when ordering online?

Gecko

Re: Newbie questions...
 

if you dont want to pay for shipping find an out of the way nursery and look in the back corners.....you will be amazed at what type of nanas they have hiding there. i found 7 red iholene( these were in 2 pots) for 7.00 a pot at my fav nursery. and he had them stuck way in the back under a budas hand....so loojk under other plants in the gh's, its like finding a buried treasure.

Re: Newbie questions...
 

I have purchased from bananaplants.net. These are tc plants that have been grown out to about 12 to 18 inches. Never had any problem with plants being shipped. He will replace any damaged plants as long as you send a photo within a few days of delivery.Athought they ship the plants pretty quick ,I would not get an email of the date shipped. Maybe they do this now,it's been a year. I agree you can get better deals at local nurseries,you might have to wait for later in the season.l

Re: Newbie questions...
 

Found 1 out of the way nursery today and was told about another... so i will look locally first.

Also found a stand of nanners near an apartment block it looked like the pups could do with a new home (no idea what type it is). The mother plant was really crowded.

Thanks for the info.

Gecko

Re: Newbie questions...
 

you are welcome.:0519:

Re: Newbie questions...
 

Ditto for me - great experience with these guys.