Musa Growth - Moved from Palms Forum

[tropical_niagara]

Hi,

Finally had a chance to upload some photos ..... This plant is producing leaves and growing very quickly, but it does not seem to be growing vertically. I have had it outside in my sunny south facing back yard since April 24th

Have a look and let me know if the growth is normal or not .... ?

This is my first Musa, so I am not sure what to expect....

Any help is appreciated

[Wes North Van]

Fairly normal growth. I find when it gets hot they do wilt a bit. Keep fertilizing and watering.

[ryan]

tropical_niagara, when night time lows are >15C then the fun begins. They will start to grow vertical and the leaves will increase in size. In Niagara you should start to see this happen near the end of June. Here is a picture of my Musa basjoo that was about the same size as yours this time last year. It grew to about 9’ to the top leaf. The key to growing bananas this large is LOTS of fertilizer and insane amounts of water. Enjoy!

[tropical_niagara]

Thanks for the info, very helpful.

I will be sure to keep it watered, as it is wilting just a bit. The soil I planted it in is excellent, lots of "organic" matter for feeding. Do you think I will still need to add more fertilizer? I would really like to plant this in an actual bed, but I worry about it making the winter.

Ryan - how did yours do this past winter? .... is it still alive? ....

Ryan, I am sure you will be meeting me in person soon as I am looking for a Washington, and your site says you have some - is that still up tp date?