Perhaps you might not want to be in a big hurry to take the pups off. You want to make sure the mother is strong before you go taking slices out of her. Some people just leave them. They out grow pots fast. I pot mine while they are small but so far have never managed to grow one very big in a pot. I love bananas, enjoy!

Hi Walt,
Putting it in the ground now in your zone would be great for the banana!
I agreed with harleygal, I wouldnt go cutting those pups yet.
Wait till they're at least 12" tall. Before 1st frost, just pot it up and bring it inside and enjoy it till you can put it back out in the summer.
Do some searches in this forum for frost! Alot of valuable info here. Good luck!!!
Hope this helps.........

Thanks for the answers! I appreciate it. I have decided to put them in the ground, finally settled on a place I think. Well I'm hooked, I gota have some more banana plants, all different kinds too! Walt

In zone 9, you shouldn't have any trouble growing them in the ground if you want to. If you see bananas in your zone that aren't doing well, it is probably because they aren't watered enough, or have any compost or attention paid to them. A lot of people here (Texas) have bananas growing, usually along their back fence, but they don't give them any attention or extra water, and it has been very dry here this year. With a little water and good soil, they grow like gangbusters!

waltjg, welcome to the banana "habit"!