Martinfartin

What is the ideal banana in terms of taste and what would be the care I would need to put in it to ensure frost doesn't kill it.
Also I live in southeastern Tennessee thanks!

andy17

Hey Martin,

I live in the Southeast as well. It’s a great question. Taste can be subjective, and different members have had different impressions on the same varieties. And the environment and growing conditions can have a big impact on the flavor and texture as well. Nevertheless, there are definitely some sure fire varieties that most people love. Gros Michel almost always gets high marks, but it’s very cold sensitive. Dwarf Brazilian is another highly recommended variety that is really cold tolerant and has a great, tangy taste. I have had best success with Namwah types. My recommendation is to go with the most cold tolerant and dwarf varieties, and as you gain experience, start trying less cold tolerant varieties. Sadly, no banana variety will stand up to frost. Some of the most cold tolerant ones can have the leaves burned off by frost and the pseudostem can be wrapped with hay and straw until spring. I would recommend Dwarf Namwah in a large container you can bring in for the winter. I did this with a Namwah Ice Cream and had great success with it. I hope this helps!

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