Hello, plant enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting blog post. Today’s topic is sure to inspire gardeners dwelling in colder climates who have put to rest their dreams of growing tropical plants, specifically, bananas. Yes, you read it right. Even in a northern planting zone, you have a pretty good shot at successfully growing bananas. This post is all about how to go bananas over bananas!
Understanding Planting Zones: The Game Changer
Understanding the subtleties of planting zones is an essential prerequisite to successful gardening. Planting zones essentially outline the world of possibilities for you as a gardener. The exciting news is that a tropical plant like banana can be grown even in as cold a zone as Zone 5. I, for instance, am based in Zone 7 and have already spent two fruitful (quite literally) years growing bananas.
Musa Basjoo: The Banana Variety For Northern Climates
Two years of growing bananas have let me explore multiple banana varieties. Each one of them has its unique appeal. However, if I had to pick one for the northern planting zones, it would be Musa Basjoo or more commonly known as Japanese Fiber Banana. After only two years, they were sprouting pups everywhere. They add a visual appeal to your garden or your yard, and especially around your pool. They will transform your place into a tiki haven with a low maintenance tropical vibe.
"Growing bananas in the colder climates is generally a pursuit for aesthetic purposes rather than consumable produce. The Musa Basjoo does bear fruit, however, they aren't edible."
However, the Musa Basjoo doesn't require any pampering. The only job you need to sign up for is keeping a continual check on its growth. It is such a vigorous grower that it will continually put out pups and take over your entire garden if not kept under control.
Indoor Versus Outdoor Planting: Uncover Your Banana Tree's Potential
The glory of dwelling in colder zones doesn't end at just growing Musa Basjoo. You surely can experiment with others; you just need to keep them in pots. From my gardening escapades, a variety that has displayed significant resilience to colder climates is the Dwarf Cavendish. This variety typically grows to a height of 2 to 4 ft.
If you follow my lead here, the trick would be to house the main plant in a pot. During the winter months, you could simply move this pot into your garage or if you have a grow light setup, that would be even better. Trust me, it works just as well even in the cold. My five-year-old banana tree stands as testimony to this strategy.
To replicate the Dwarf Cavendish in your garden, start by digging a small hole for the pup and transplant the pup into it, covering the roots with soil and watering it sufficiently. And voila! Your banana tree is ready to take off.
One tip before concluding this section, if there is no comfortable space in the garage to fit your banana pot, you may cut off the top and move the rest into the garage. Do not worry, it'll start putting out new leaves from that stem. So, in essence, you don't have to worry about harming them!
Bananas: Tenacious and Resilient
Bananas are exceptionally vigorous. They resist against damage, even in harsh weather conditions like strong winds that typically tear the leaves. The leaves might shed, but they grow back again, validating their reputation for being sturdy and tough.
To quote a cliché, they are as hardy as they come! My Musa Basjoo banana plants have been holding up exceptionally well despite recent bad winters. They even grow well in shade, like under my huge maple tree.
Final Thoughts
Do not let the restrictions of a cold climate hold you back from testing your green thumb. Dive headfirst into the world of tropical gardening. Keep experimenting with banana varieties. Do not let concerns weigh you down. Embrace risks and go bananas with your gardening adventures.
Thanks for joining me in this exhilarating journey of understanding the resilience of the banana tree and their possibilities in colder climates. If you are as much in love with gardening as I am, keep following me for more exciting plant adventures. Happy gardening!