The ridiculous things I do for my plants.   

I know this looks like a trash can, but it's actually a banana can. 

Since I left the cool dry summers of the PNW, I decided I'd try some edible bananas.  Goldfinger, Dwarf Orinoco, Dwarf Namwah, and Icecream.  These had to be purchased online and most of them were in tiny pots, less than 2", although the foliage is impressive for such a small pot.  

Anyway I need them to put on some size before they go into the ground in April.  This seems to be doing the trick.  Mid 80's for temps and 70's for humidity, even after just a few days growth is evident. 

I have only grown Musa basjoo in the cool summers of the PNW, looking for some experience here.  

Could these fruit their first year?  Can a banana fruit it's first year in-ground?  I'm sure there are many variables.  I will plant in mostly mushroom compost, and fertilize, and water heavily, daily. 

Don't think they will. I think they need continuous growth for about 18 months, good fertile soil, plenty of potassium, plenty of sun warmth and water. Of course the time could depend on variety, but I'm not aware of any fast ones.

orinoco pitu tall set fruit within a year and just almost finished before the frost ❄️🍌

Photos and dates included.

5/21/22

7/21/22

8/4/22

9/29/22

Jump through winter to next year

7/25/23

7/27/23

8/2/23

9/25/23

Unfortunately, they didn't finish maturing and ripening, but the ones that did manage to finish after I cut them off and they tasted so good, almost like vanilla. It's the first banana I've ever tasted outside of Cavendish. I think next time If I want the fruit to finish I'll build something around the naners to finish. 🍌🤠

Edited February 9, 20242 yr by ZPalms

It's been 3 weeks now, and I think everything has pretty much doubled in size.  Dwarf cavendish is starting to display some red coloration.  Some of these will probably have to be removed within the next week.  I've had to remove some sunburned leaves that ran into the growlight.  

In other words, the banana can may look stupid.  But, "If it looks stupid but it works, it aint stupid"

Good idea. With some improvement it can be used more for colder climates. I'm afraid of spider mites infestation due lack of airflow. Also from this angle they seem a bit overwatered.