Banana Tree - one of the only hardy Edible banana fruits! Allotments etc!
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This is for 3X fresh seeds This hybrid, the Helen’s Banana, is more tolerant of colder climates. SUPER RARE!!
The M. sikkimensis ‘part’ of it is undoubtedly gives it its hardiness, whilst the M. ‘Chini-Champa’ provides the tasty fruits (which the M. sikkimensis is lacking). It is an ideal ‘marriage’.
The magnificent display of waxy jungle foliage as with all banana plants is exaggerated by the red leaf-midribs and undersides.
Discovered in the Darjeeling district of India, the average temperature in summer is between 18 - 25°C, whilst winter temperatures range from -3 to 2°C. This climate can be not to dissimilar the UK Climate, though I do highly recommend that young plants are protected over the winter, certainly for the first couple of years.
Growing Instructions:
Sowing:
Indoors (recommended):
Soak seeds in warm water for 48 hours. Transfer to a pot of multi-purpose compost and ideally in a propagator or place pot in a sealable clear plastic bag in a warm place. Light is required.
Germination:
Fluctuating temperatures work best for germination. Temperatures of 25 - 30°C during the day and 15 - 18°C at night. Germination can take from 1-4 months.
Soil:
Once established plants the plant will tolerate most soils, but prefers rich, moist soils with good drainage. Prior to planting, mulch the soil.
Position:
They need full sun to be at their best, but can grow in light shaded areas. It requires shelter from strong winds and some insulation during the colder months e.g. near a fence or house.
Maintenance:
Water well during the summer months. It will benefit from regular feeding with fertilizer.
Important to protect the plant in the winter. It is worth investing in a horticultural fleece or similar breathable fabric. To prevent rot from the wet fleece, use old dry banana leaves directly on the plant. For added measure cover wet fleece with straw, bracken or even newspapers, old sack and secure down with chicken wire.
To protect the roots build up more loose soil and start adding dry mulch such as listed above.
Inevitably you will lose some foliage and top part of the stem to frost.