Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Hi all, I am wondering if it is possible to have a producing plant of the Blue Java and Gros Michel types in a container? I know they aren't actually dwarf types.

Thank you!

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Please add your location and USDA hardiness zone to your profile.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Sorry, I am in Rio Grande Valley, zone 9b.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

In your location it could work well and they could be outdoors year-round.

Although some folks use 15-gallon I'd recommend at least 25 gallon each for less stunting and better quality fruit.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

I do not have any experience growing the Gros Michel (yet), but in my opinion there is NO WAY to grow a Blue Java sucessfully in a container. They get tall (up to 15' plus leaf canopy) and are extreme leaners (one in the ground even snapped in two pieces for me last week).

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

... without support.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Lol, I would not even try WITH support for various reasons. ;)

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

hey Richard,
i thought you recommended 65 gallon containers
have you seen some examples lately that worked with 25 gallons which changed youre mind?

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

:) I got tired of frequent remarks to the contrary when posting this guide:

http://www.bananas.org/f310/richards...tml#post296373

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Im currently fruiting blue java in a 200l pot, I was growing them in 100l bags, not sure why it cant be done elsewhere.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

:pics:

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

200 L is about 53 gallons ... seems reasonable.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

If they do not flower you will have a boatload of pups:)

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

I have read that banana plants grow shorter, and have less fruit, when in containers. Is this true?

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Hopefully one of you see this since its a 2 year old thread. Im forced to grow in pots since i have 100% concrete yard. 1 of the varieties I'm doing is blue java. Every thing im doing is in 65g pots. Those pots are sitting on plastic pallets. Since blue javas will tend to bend i was thinking since I do have those pallets I can also use them as anchor points and use tubular webbing as support that i can add more when needed or adjust the height of contact. Does this sound like a possible idea to be successful in fruiting? Im in zone 10a

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

From the experiences posted previously in this thread, and given your growing zone..i would say you have a real good chance of being successful! I dont know how your backyard looks, but you could consider building large circular permanant planters using castlewall or pavers. They would prob provide more stability than a pot, and drainage should be excellent.

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

I actually tried this very thing as I live very far north and it's legit freezing most of the year, so too cold for outside-nanas.

My Gros Michel perished but my Blue Java's been steadily climbing for a year now. I think the Michel was too small when I tried to transplant it, and I put the dirt too hit up the trunk. So even though I'm super late to the party here's my tips so far.

1. Don't transplant them too early. (obviously) When you do be careful not to go too far up the trunk with dirt. Keep the dirt line where it was before.

2. You need to keep humidity levels fairly high, but they prefer not to be misted. You can buy plastic sheeting fairly cheaply and keep it around your plant-area to make a sort of mini-green house. The plants and their moisture will already raise the humidity in this area but if you're air is still very dry (from your ac or heater) you can also add a humidifier to your set up. (careful not to put it too close to the plants though or you'll get dirt on the humidifier). Humidifier will almost certainly be needed once you turn on climate-control for your house.

3. Water plants once a week, no more.

4. Plant lights are your replacement sun. They're cheap and easy to obtain. You can get clamp lights for ~10 dollars at lowes and they sell special plant-lightbulbs too! Make sure the wattage of the clamp-light matches the wattage of the bulb. (You can test this by trying to screw it in before you buy).

5. They like acidic well fertilized soil. I used composed bunny-poo and peat moss for this purpose.

6. Space is tricky. They start off small and fit into almost any room but they will get large. I overcame this by putting them in my stairwell. The bottom step has ceiling space as tall at the roof of my top floor. This does make the staircase very inconvenient to use. If you like mountain climbing then free exercise! If you don't like twisting and turning or you use the stairs often maybe not for you.

I'm not sure what to do if you don't have a staircase-space. Pick a room with very tall walls? Dig a deep hole in the dirt floor of your basement? Actually that second plan sounds risky, call a contractor if you plan to do that.

7. They don't seem as picky about rootspace as I imagined they would, but if you find yourself needing a bigger pot, don't limit yourself to traditional garden pots. A laundry hamper (with a bag in it) or an (outdoor sized) garbage can is basically a huge pot with a little imagination. (drill holes in the bottom for drainage, this is easier before its full of dirt/plant).

Re: Java Blue and Gros Michel in container?
 

Very good instructions Lunarfantom!