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CaptDonI · 06-13-2006, 01:30 PM

Hi Everyone,

I’m a recently retired engineer who volunteers as a Master Gardener through the University of Florida extension service in Highlands County Florida. I have previously grown bananas in south Florida (Zone 10), however, my new home is listed as Zone 9 but I get some extra protection from living on the SE side of a big lake. I have been pretty picky about the cultivars I have selected to plant in my yard, choosing primarily cold hardy varieties that will withstand some wind. The following is a list of the bananas I’m presently growing:

Rajapuri
Goldfinger
Double (Mahoi)
Dwarf Brazilian
Dwarf Namwa
Misi Luki
California Gold
Super Dwarf Cavendish
Dwarf Puerto Rican Plantain

The next varieties will probably be: Red Iholene and Praying Hands

I initially planted the first 4 bananas in a dedicated mulched bed, however, since then I have tried to interplant the rest of them in the landscape, I think I like that better.

I recently made a pilgrimage down to Homestead, Fl to visit the Going Bananas nursery (Don & Katie Chafin). What terrific people they are. I spent the better part of an afternoon there getting a tour of their property and talking about banana culture, what a treat. You might spend a few more dollars for their bananas, but if you have any questions about growing them you can be assured you are going to get the best most accurate information available.

I spend a great deal of time researching banana culture (probably too much, but hey I’m retired), I plan on putting together a banana workshop/clinic in the future for local residents to encourage them to try growing bananas. My favorite information resources are the Australians; I think they are the best source of information on growing bananas in a sub tropical environment. Checkout this Australian government link: http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/thematiclists/1079.html, scroll down and you’ll find some good information for the homeowner, the info on fertilizing and sucker management is real good stuff.

Hey folks send me a private message or an email if you ever want to chat about bananas.

Regards…Don

06-13-2006, 01:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
CaptDonI Junior Member CaptDonI's Photo Gallery Location: Lake Placid, Fl (Zone 9) Find me on the map! Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 16 BananaBucks : 13,373 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Central Florida Banana Enthusiast Hi Everyone, I’m a recently retired engineer who volunteers as a Master Gardener through the University of Florida extension service in Highlands County Florida. I have previously grown bananas in south Florida (Zone 10), however, my new home is listed as Zone 9 but I get some extra protection from living on the SE side of a big lake. I have been pretty picky about the cultivars I have selected to plant in my yard, choosing primarily cold hardy varieties that will withstand some wind. The following is a list of the bananas I’m presently growing: Rajapuri Goldfinger Double (Mahoi) Dwarf Brazilian Dwarf Namwa Misi Luki California Gold Super Dwarf Cavendish Dwarf Puerto Rican Plantain The next varieties will probably be: Red Iholene and Praying Hands I initially planted the first 4 bananas in a dedicated mulched bed, however, since then I have tried to interplant the rest of them in the landscape, I think I like that better. I recently made a pilgrimage down to Homestead, Fl to visit the Going Bananas nursery (Don & Katie Chafin). What terrific people they are. I spent the better part of an afternoon there getting a tour of their property and talking about banana culture, what a treat. You might spend a few more dollars for their bananas, but if you have any questions about growing them you can be assured you are going to get the best most accurate information available. I spend a great deal of time researching banana culture (probably too much, but hey I’m retired), I plan on putting together a banana workshop/clinic in the future for local residents to encourage them to try growing bananas. My favorite information resources are the Australians; I think they are the best source of information on growing bananas in a sub tropical environment. Checkout this Australian government link: http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/thematiclists/1079.html, scroll down and you’ll find some good information for the homeowner, the info on fertilizing and sucker management is real good stuff. Hey folks send me a private message or an email if you ever want to chat about bananas. Regards…Don Last edited by CaptDonI : 06-24-2006 at 12:06 PM.