Banana plants - Ask Extension
I planted 2 banana plants in June, they were about 10-12 inches tall, now they are about 12 foot...
What do I do to protect them in the winter?
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Banana plants #431371
Asked October 15, 2017, 1:28 AM EDT
I planted 2 banana plants in June, they were about 10-12 inches tall, now they are about 12 foot...
What do I do to protect them in the winter?
Additionally, I would like to move them away from the front of the house lol! I was given these 2 plants, and had no idea they grew so fast! When is the best time to move them?
Thanks!
Calvert County Maryland
Expert Response
Though there are some banana plants that are touted as winter hardy here, it is not likely that yours is.
If you have some space and are willing to try however, you may be able to save them for next season by potting them up and taking them in for the winter.
You would remove many if not most of the leaves, and pot it into the biggest pot you can handle. Give it the best light you can. It shouldn't need much water, just enough for the pot not to be bone dry for long periods of time.
It will likely look pretty bad by spring, but either move the plant outside in the pot and keep in that way for the future, or put it in the ground where you would enjoy it next season.
cm
If you have some space and are willing to try however, you may be able to save them for next season by potting them up and taking them in for the winter.
You would remove many if not most of the leaves, and pot it into the biggest pot you can handle. Give it the best light you can. It shouldn't need much water, just enough for the pot not to be bone dry for long periods of time.
It will likely look pretty bad by spring, but either move the plant outside in the pot and keep in that way for the future, or put it in the ground where you would enjoy it next season.
cm
They are way too big to move inside. What can I do to protect the plants outside? I've read to cut the leaves, and the stalk itself then a heavy layer of mulch....?
I don't know. I've seen the same banana plants elsewhere in my area that are so much bigger...
Since moving them inside isn't an option, what can I do?
I don't know. I've seen the same banana plants elsewhere in my area that are so much bigger...
Since moving them inside isn't an option, what can I do?
We do not have a lot of information for you. If you know if your banana is winter hardy here and need to leave it outdoors, you can mulch heavily and leave the leaves and stem. Take a look at the links below
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/3005/3005-1446/3005-1446.html
http://extension.illinois.edu/tropicalpunch/banana.cfm
Another option would be to cut the top off the plants, and dig the clumps before frost. Contain the roots and attached soil in a sheet of plastic or large plastic bag. Cover loosely and water sparingly over the winter months. Keep plants around 60 degrees over the winter. Replant after all danger of frost is past.
mh
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/3005/3005-1446/3005-1446.html
http://extension.illinois.edu/tropicalpunch/banana.cfm
Another option would be to cut the top off the plants, and dig the clumps before frost. Contain the roots and attached soil in a sheet of plastic or large plastic bag. Cover loosely and water sparingly over the winter months. Keep plants around 60 degrees over the winter. Replant after all danger of frost is past.
mh
