rlail

I'm trying to grow the best outside edible banana in zone 7b. Thinking I would plant against the brick of my house, on the South Western end, and insulate the plant during the winter. I see the pink bananas, but is there other kinds that may serve better? I love the Idea of the Blue Java, but don't have a green house right now.

Kingt82

Hello,

If what you mean by pink bananas is Musa Valentina then they are not edible. I also live in 7b. The best choice is probably a Namwah variety or possibly Orinoco. I have Namwah and some are starting to push new growth with no outdoor protection.

rlail

Hey! I'm going to be down that way this weekend, at the Loch Norman Highland games! Small world. Do the Namwah fruit? And yes, the Valentina, although I read they were edible, just seedy

Kingt82

Haha. I was guessing you were somewhat close. Namwah does fruit. Mine haven't yet but I expect I will have something this summer/fall. I've read that Valentina is really seedy as well. Its more seed than fruit. Good luck.

gatorfan

Hi,
A little late to the party. I would suggest California Gold.


This variety is said to be a real cold hardy fruit producer. Exceptionally frost hardy compared to other bananas, will produce good fruit, year after year, without any frost protection. The California Gold banana shakes off the cold. It may lose its' leaves after a hard freeze, but then continues to grow when the weather warms in the spring. The leaves lost during the winter don't seem to slow this plant down. California Gold have produced tasty bananas outdoors during the summer after enduring winter low temp in the low 20's! These plants should be able grow fine in USDA zone 7 and above as an outdoor plant. The mature plant is small only 5-6 ft tall. Some of plants have produced fruit in as early as 11 months from a pup. Delicious fruits rival any store bought fruit in quality and flavor.

Regards,
Dell

Abnshrek

Nothing wrong w/ Caligold probably can keep in the ground year round possibly instead of digging up the corm.. But if you have a 30 gallon pot and can put it on heat mat and keep it above 60f might I suggest growing a Veinte Cohol.. It fruits short and finshes fast as long as it flowers when its still hot out.. 2-3 years you'd be eating better banana's than you could ever get in a store, unless your store has manzano's.. lol

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