Time to Choose

12 years ago

I have scoped out a nice area in my yard for a banana patch about 10 feet from my lake. It's between citrus and Philodendron, although I suppose the philo's are optional. Have to take out the stump of some other philo's I removed before planting the bananas.

Was thinking that I would plant this spring so that gives me a couple months to get my act together, although I could be ready within a month.

If I could I'd like to get 4 (or more?) plants total of a couple different varieties. Would love input and ideas on what varieties to choose & where to get them in the Tampa (Carrollwood) area.

Here's a pic of the spot.

{{gwi:403789}}
http://flic.kr/p/bkyNCM

The stuff right close to the water like that definitely shaves a few degrees off the freezes this area gets.

We have grown bananas before, I don't know what kind but they are the standard stuff that grows everywhere in this area and puts off 4" yellow bananas. At our previous house we had 3 thriving trees of those, but we lived in a wetland so it may have been a lucky spot. Hoping to repeat that success here. So we're moderately skilled, looking to get some plants we really enjoy for eating, looking, growing.

Another issue besides variety is fertilizing the bananas while keeping fertilizer that goes into the lake at a minimum. Should I dig little holes and pour some in? I could get those tree spikes I see at lowes and use them..

Thanks for your help everyone, please ask if I need to supply more info.

-Ken

Comments (5)

rednofl
12 years ago
Dwarf Nam Wah, Manzano, Hua Moa, Raja Puri and Ice cream have done well for me. As far as protecting your lake just make a small C shaped berm between the naners and the lake to control run off. I bought the small starter plants off eBay You will have fruit next year with a gentile winter. I usually have lots of pups if u are near Orlando
Enjoy
kbeard2323
Original Author
12 years ago
I'm in Tampa and looks like you're on the far side of Orlando.. maybe a bit far. Tempting though, always nice to get babies from soneone who has the parent plant.

The thing about bananas is, I don't think there's really anywhere you can buy the fruit of various varieties. So I would have no idea if I will like the taste. Not that we're real picky or anything.

Do all of your varieties ripen around the same time? Would be nice to get fresh naners a couple of times in a year.
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grullablue
12 years ago
I am growing two kinds right now in southern WI, musa basjoo and ensete maurelii. I LOVE the basjoo because of the speed of growth, cold hardiness, and how quickly it multiplies, but I am totally in love with my ensete because of the red color. Mine doesn't grow as quickly as the basjoos do, nor does it pup, but it's just a beautiful banana.
kbeard2323
Original Author
12 years ago
Can anyone tell me what kinda produce bigger bananas than the fingerlings I've grown previously? Did I hear that ice cream makes bigger ones?
rednofl
12 years ago
My favorite are the Nam Wah and Manzano smaller but very tasty. I only got one bunch from the Ice Cream and they were not much bigger. I should get a big crop this year without any serious freezes. My nam wah has already bloomed. Fruit is more dependent on the age of the plant and weather we have had any hard freezes so this year should be a good one. I really like the Hua Moa use it like a plantain when its green or let it get ripe and it is sweet. It is a big fat fruit that splits easily really unique. I also have a dwarf red that has never fruited this year hopefully.