BANANA PLANT

Hi
I'm new here-my first post!

I'm considering buying a banana plant(Banana Musa-Bajoo) but would be grateful for some advice on how to look after it before I part with my cash!Mainly concerened with what to do with it over winter(I will be growing it in a pot).
Any handy tips you might have would be much appreciated.
Thanks xx

 

Abilou,
You can grow it in a pot but in the ground is much better. Basjoo is considered the hardiest, so go for that, although Sikimiensis is probably as hardy and a bit more decorative, darker green leaves with red markings.
I dont grow any in pots outside as the roots could get frosted, but thats not to say that with careful protection it cant survive. Main advantage in a pot is it can be moved to a sheltered possition, and wrapped in fleece or hessian during any really cold spells. It should overwinter OK
This is a picture of my basjoo which flowered last summer.

 

Thanks for your advice

I must admit I was put off putting it in the ground because of the winter protection,but I'll give it a go .

Pete-how tall is your plant in the photo?

 

Yes c'mon Pete

How far down did you hold the camera to take that pic

 

This was it before it flowered, to give it some scale the slabs are 18ins square. I reckon it must have reached 12ft, when the wind wasn't blowing, if you know what I mean.
Where did you get it Nathan, was it B&Q? or Homebase or somewhere like that? cause if it was it probably aint Sikkimensis
As if I'd lay on my belly just to make it look bigger.

 

Dont look at the "lawn", it was a hot summer that year.

 

pete-what's the plant in the pot in front of it?-it looks great

 

I have one from Ikea of all places! it was just labelled banana plant, its very clump forming with loads of pups all the time round the base which I suppose narrows it down to most banana types

 

The plant in front of the banana is a Papaya, grown from seeds from the supermarket, its in its second summer there. Problem is they are very tender and cold sensitive, and need a winter minimum of about 10C at night and rising during the day.
As for banana plants from Ikea, well its only a guess but I think it could be cavendishii, likewise Nathans, as there are a lot of them about, as they say, but also very tender, more of a house plant really.
While we're on the subject, does it bother you like it does me when you buy a plant and the label says eg. mixed orchids, mixed cacti, foliage plant etc. Dont they know what they are? if not they shouldn't be selling them.
Its about time plants came with more info on the label, especially have the proper name etc.

 

Thats the same as mine then nathan

 

I think a monkey was quite appropriate.
Have a word with them Nathan and ask them what the b---dy hell it is.
after all, you wouldn't buy a rose bush if it just said rose, would you?

[ May 16, 2005, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: pete2255 ]