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bigdog · 12-12-2007, 11:42 AM

I don't have any actual experience with Saba, but I know of some folks in zone 8a that successfully overwinter it outside. It's a bit late to come back, but once it gets going stand back!

As far as wild bananas that come from cooler, subtropical areas, you should try Musa basjoo first. Then, Musa sikkimensis and all of its forms and hybrids (there's at least three hybrids out there, maybe more). There is also a Musa itinerans that grows to over 30 feet tall that comes from about 8000 ft. ASL, but isn't available in cultivation as of yet. You still can't beat basjoo for cold-hardiness though. You didn't mention what zone you live in, which is important to consider also.

12-12-2007, 11:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
bigdog ******* bigdog's Photo Gallery** Location: Gainesville, FL Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: Frank Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,002 BananaBucks : 745,656 Feedback: 7 / 100% Said "Thanks" 213 Times Was Thanked 1,787 Times in 502 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 131 Times	Re: Largest cold hardy bananas I don't have any actual experience with Saba, but I know of some folks in zone 8a that successfully overwinter it outside. It's a bit late to come back, but once it gets going stand back! As far as wild bananas that come from cooler, subtropical areas, you should try Musa basjoo first. Then, Musa sikkimensis and all of its forms and hybrids (there's at least three hybrids out there, maybe more). There is also a Musa itinerans that grows to over 30 feet tall that comes from about 8000 ft. ASL, but isn't available in cultivation as of yet. You still can't beat basjoo for cold-hardiness though. You didn't mention what zone you live in, which is important to consider also.