What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

For my space some tall (ideally 15-20') banana plants would look best, but I'd really prefer not to have to prop them since the space is somewhat constrained. Are there any taller banana varieties that, in moderate wind, usually don't require propping?

Also, how do you usually prop a tall banana plant?

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

Kandrian!!! I've propped other ones PVC pipes. I think PRGiants uses 2x4's

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

Saba and Tall Brazillians.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

Great, I was hoping those were sturdy because I've read they get tall and the Brazilians are supposed to be a good dessert banana. Thanks for your reply.

Can't find much info on kandrian.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

I grow it and love it. I posted a taste report not too long ago. It can get pretty tall. But I don't think as tall as Saba. I originally got mine from Going Bananas as a tissue culture plant.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

Tall cuban reds do good and get 15+'

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

Hopefully you understand that the height of a fruiting banana plant is temporary. They start small, grow to maximum height (about 18 mo. in San Diego) then fruit and after fruit is on the plant for about 4 months the stalk starts dying and the cycle starts over again. Fruiting bananas are a tropical annual that grow from a bulb-like structure under ground.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

I do understand that, although I plan to let one new pup start every so often so I don't literally start all over when the tallest stem dies.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

I haven't had to prop my tall Namwah.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

I second the Namwah suggestion. It is a delicious dessert banana and cold hardy enough for our San Diego climate.
If I have to prop heavy fruit bunches, I use 1.5" PVC pipe.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

I noticed a local Home Depot with what they called Ice Cream / Blue Java, which I assume is Namwah...? It had a noticeably blue-gray stem but the leaves had a faint line of pink along their outer edges.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

I am not sure what kind of banana plant is in the first picture, but I have never had to prop it up and it gets large bunches of bananas. In the second picture from left to right are icecream, icecream, super dwarf cavendish, dwarf giant. The only one I had to prop was the dwarf giant. :goteam:

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

first pic looks like dwarf Brazilian, The dwarf giant looks interesting. Where did you get that one? How is the fruit? I like the color on the pstem.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

The bananas taste great one of the best I have. It looks sturdy, but I had one break in the wind. It produces a lot of pups. I got it from H & H nursery close to my house. It's from Monrovia nursery so you can probably find one anywhere they sell Monrovia plants. If you are ever in Long Beach stop by and I will give you one.

Re: What are some tall plants that may not need propping?
 

Very nice looking patch Lau. I am surprised by the apparent spacing in the second picture; the bananas look very close together. I thought bananas were supposed to be placed 6 to 9 feet apart, or is it just the angle that makes yours look closer? I would be glad if it was your experience that closer spacing still produces good yields, your trees look very healthy :D