Is it because I am in Canada?...

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-24-2009, 08:37 PM

I am wondering if the reason why I am having such a difficult time finding anyone to trade seeds or pups with me, is because I am in Canada?

Allow me to share some personal experience...

I belong to several other gardening forums, and have traded many seeds and cuttings with people in the US successfully, and for very little money. I write 'garden supplies' on the packaging, and everything always makes it just fine. I even sent two people seedling passion flower vines, and they made it safely, and are now growing! I only ever spend a couple bucks, to boot! Seeds and cuttings are cheap to exchange between US and Canada - in case anyone thought otherwise.

I am so excited about growing a banana plant, but yet can't seem to locate any seeds or pups - on a banana forum!!! LoL. I am hoping there are other gardeners out there who enjoy trading, and don't mind helping out a newcomer who wants in on the fun.

This forum sure is terrific, and has taught me a lot already. I have a real greenthumb, so I think I could grow a banana plant wonderfully. I am especially interested in smaller, dwarf varieties.

Also, does anyone know if a banana plant will survive our winters here in canada? Are they perennial? Please don't laugh at my ignorance!

: )

willy1der · 05-24-2009, 08:50 PM

I have not yet found an american willing to ship to canada,send me a pm and I can send you to some places that sell bananas here in town.

willy1der · 05-24-2009, 08:51 PM

forgot to mention Im in london also!!!

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-24-2009, 08:59 PM

Yeah this forum seems really weird about sharing. Stranger too, because on other gardening forums, Americans do exchanges with me all the time! It really isn't a big deal.

Wow - you're in London! Blow me away! Too cool. Do you happen to have any pups or seeds that you would be willing to trade, or share? I can't believe you're in London. So awesome. Now I don't feel like such an outsider.

Thanks for the responses.

: )

Scuba_Dave · 05-24-2009, 09:10 PM

Possibly people think it is harder to ship to Canada
Possible problems with customs etc
I sell & ship Halloween & Christmas decorations & have sent several to Canada. As long as they are under 108" combined girth USPS is the cheapest way to ship. So far no problems

I'm just getting going myself, recd my 1st 4 banana plants last week

I'm not sure what zone you are in
OK - saw the zone, colder then where I am
Banana planst will notmake it thru the winter for us without some pretty good insualation methods
Somebody built a styrofoam box for theirs & runs 3 light bulbs in it to keep them warm thru the winter
I'll winter mine either in the greenhouse or garage - as do other northern people

MediaHound · 05-24-2009, 09:19 PM

Check the membermap, there's some people in Canada that might be willing to help you out. Send them a personal private message and surely someone will step up for you.
There are some rare bananas already in Canada, trust me...

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-24-2009, 09:29 PM

Thank you Scuba Dave!

I mailed one of my passion flower vines to someone in MA, and like I said previously, it made it just fine. Another went to Oklahoma! I think people have the wrong impression about US and Canada seed and plant exchanges. Too bad, because when I do finally get some banana varieties - I love to share. Gardeners should always share with each other, and boycott these greedy seed companies.

Heck, Lorax, who's in Ecuador, and who invited me to this forum, has even done a seed exchange with me!!! I am hoping more people will read this thread, and see that it is more than possible to do a trade with a Canadian, and it only costs 1-3 bucks!!! I do it all the time.

: )

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-24-2009, 09:31 PM

Thank you MediaHound!

I am hoping to find out from Willy1der, about the places here in London I can get some plants from too. I am determined that I will grow a banana plant this season, one way or the other.

I want in on the insanity!

: )

MediaHound · 05-24-2009, 09:38 PM

Some people only check in once per week, some once per month... give it a little bit of time and you will have a network of people to exchange with all setup.
As an avid gardener, I am sure you have patience..

cedardave · 05-24-2009, 09:44 PM

Indeed there are some rare bananas in canada.....

Even if you dont get some from a member on this site... there are always lots of places where you can find some of the more common ones likely right around where you live. It just takes a little looking.

kaczercat · 05-24-2009, 09:48 PM

Hey, I am Canadian too. I have had A few people On here that i have bought pups and such from and it worked out well. This form is great lots of friendly people to talk with. I have tried to buy banana plants from ty ty , going bananas, and Sandy @northern tropics. Since they have a business and a license they cant ship to Canada

. The only bananas i have found here are basjoo and dc. This is why i want to move to the states ( Florida) when i finish high school or collage. So i can have more of a verity of tropicals, bananas citrus ect. Anyway its fun here on this site.

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-24-2009, 10:20 PM

Yeah, the funny thing is, I've never even seen an actual banana plant, let alone grown one, and I am already addicted! Looking at all the gorgeous pics, I can only imagine one in person. I just love them.

Thanks for all the great replies everyone. It seems pretty cool here. I can't wait to get a plant too, because I am addicted to posting pics! Are ya only allowed to post pics of banana plants? Or other plants as well?

I am ashamed to say that no, I am not a very patient person, even though I grow from seed, but I am trying. I will definitely give it some more time, and see what comes...

: )

kaczercat · 05-24-2009, 10:33 PM

You can post pics of any plant you want. I have pics of blueberry plants palm trees and of coarse banana plants :P

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-25-2009, 12:16 AM

In that case then, here are some of my current indoor seed grown plants!

The first 2 pics are my African Daisy hybrid (Osteospernum). The next pic is my French Vanilla marigold. The two after that are my indoor rose pink lilies, and the last pic is my entire living room window setup...

kaczercat · 05-25-2009, 05:45 AM

Wow they are beautiful flowers . I have had god luck with marigolds and thats it one of my fav flower

i love Christmas cactus too too bad they only flower just before Christmas. i wish i had this great talent growing from seeds. thanks for postin the pics

Crazy_canuck · 05-25-2009, 06:19 AM

I agree with Kaczercat you can find a Dwarf Cavendish, Basjoo, or more commonly Super Dwarf Cav. at almost any nursery or even grocery stores in the summer up here. If you become more interested in growing bigger banana’s you can find some good varieties with some patience.

ewitte · 05-25-2009, 07:59 AM

Even here everything you find in the stores is ornamental. Luckily its not that hard to get shipping or even find people here in the same city.

sunfish · 05-25-2009, 08:04 AM

I don't have banana seeds but I have passiflora seeds. What passion flowers are you growing , do you have any seed for trade?

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-25-2009, 08:04 AM

Yes, I am going to have a look around and get a plant that really appeals to me. Thanks for all the compliments!

Yes, those marigolds are quite special, and are not easy to acquire. The big carnation-like blooms are so pretty. Shame you have no banana seeds - we could have traded. I am big on seed trading.

You can get a xmas cactus to bloom in summer, but you have to put it on a 12/12 cycle (12 hours of darkness, and 12 hours of light everyday, until buds appear). You can trick your cactus into blooming even in the warmer months - I've done it.

: )

The Hollyberry Lady · 05-25-2009, 08:08 AM

Sunfish:

I am growing caerulea passiflora, and may have a few extra seeds for trade yes! Which kinds do you have? I am also expecting a couple more varieties from a trade very shortly, but I don't know what they are just yet...

: )

05-24-2009, 08:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Is it because I am in Canada?... I am wondering if the reason why I am having such a difficult time finding anyone to trade seeds or pups with me, is because I am in Canada? Allow me to share some personal experience... I belong to several other gardening forums, and have traded many seeds and cuttings with people in the US successfully, and for very little money. I write 'garden supplies' on the packaging, and everything always makes it just fine. I even sent two people seedling passion flower vines, and they made it safely, and are now growing! I only ever spend a couple bucks, to boot! Seeds and cuttings are cheap to exchange between US and Canada - in case anyone thought otherwise. I am so excited about growing a banana plant, but yet can't seem to locate any seeds or pups - on a banana forum!!! LoL. I am hoping there are other gardeners out there who enjoy trading, and don't mind helping out a newcomer who wants in on the fun. This forum sure is terrific, and has taught me a lot already. I have a real greenthumb, so I think I could grow a banana plant wonderfully. I am especially interested in smaller, dwarf varieties. Also, does anyone know if a banana plant will survive our winters here in canada? Are they perennial? Please don't laugh at my ignorance! : )

05-24-2009, 08:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
willy1der willy1der's Photo Gallery Location: London,On,Can Zone: 5b Name: will Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 144 BananaBucks : 46,359 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 88 Times Was Thanked 99 Times in 47 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 53 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... I have not yet found an american willing to ship to canada,send me a pm and I can send you to some places that sell bananas here in town. __________________

05-24-2009, 08:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
willy1der willy1der's Photo Gallery Location: London,On,Can Zone: 5b Name: will Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 144 BananaBucks : 46,359 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 88 Times Was Thanked 99 Times in 47 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 53 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... forgot to mention Im in london also!!! __________________

05-24-2009, 08:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Yeah this forum seems really weird about sharing. Stranger too, because on other gardening forums, Americans do exchanges with me all the time! It really isn't a big deal. Wow - you're in London! Blow me away! Too cool. Do you happen to have any pups or seeds that you would be willing to trade, or share? I can't believe you're in London. So awesome. Now I don't feel like such an outsider. Thanks for the responses. : )

05-24-2009, 09:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
Scuba_Dave Location: South of Boston, MA Find me on the map! Zone: 6-7 Name: Dave Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 732 BananaBucks : 60,553 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 501 Times Was Thanked 1,218 Times in 451 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,414 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Possibly people think it is harder to ship to Canada Possible problems with customs etc I sell & ship Halloween & Christmas decorations & have sent several to Canada. As long as they are under 108" combined girth USPS is the cheapest way to ship. So far no problems I'm just getting going myself, recd my 1st 4 banana plants last week I'm not sure what zone you are in OK - saw the zone, colder then where I am Banana planst will notmake it thru the winter for us without some pretty good insualation methods Somebody built a styrofoam box for theirs & runs 3 light bulbs in it to keep them warm thru the winter I'll winter mine either in the greenhouse or garage - as do other northern people

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05-24-2009, 09:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
MediaHound Tally-Man MediaHound's Photo Gallery Location: Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Jarred Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 5,261 BananaBucks : 2,028,395 Feedback: 66 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,856 Times Was Thanked 5,086 Times in 1,353 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,086 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Check the membermap, there's some people in Canada that might be willing to help you out. Send them a personal private message and surely someone will step up for you. There are some rare bananas already in Canada, trust me... __________________ Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

05-24-2009, 09:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Thank you Scuba Dave! I mailed one of my passion flower vines to someone in MA, and like I said previously, it made it just fine. Another went to Oklahoma! I think people have the wrong impression about US and Canada seed and plant exchanges. Too bad, because when I do finally get some banana varieties - I love to share. Gardeners should always share with each other, and boycott these greedy seed companies. Heck, Lorax, who's in Ecuador, and who invited me to this forum, has even done a seed exchange with me!!! I am hoping more people will read this thread, and see that it is more than possible to do a trade with a Canadian, and it only costs 1-3 bucks!!! I do it all the time. : )

05-24-2009, 09:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Thank you MediaHound! I am hoping to find out from Willy1der, about the places here in London I can get some plants from too. I am determined that I will grow a banana plant this season, one way or the other. I want in on the insanity! : )

05-24-2009, 09:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
MediaHound Tally-Man MediaHound's Photo Gallery Location: Florida Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Jarred Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 5,261 BananaBucks : 2,028,395 Feedback: 66 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,856 Times Was Thanked 5,086 Times in 1,353 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,086 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Some people only check in once per week, some once per month... give it a little bit of time and you will have a network of people to exchange with all setup. As an avid gardener, I am sure you have patience.. __________________ Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

05-24-2009, 09:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
cedardave Junior Member cedardave's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 BananaBucks : 19,289 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 31 Times in 24 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 4 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Indeed there are some rare bananas in canada..... Even if you dont get some from a member on this site... there are always lots of places where you can find some of the more common ones likely right around where you live. It just takes a little looking. Last edited by cedardave : 05-24-2009 at 09:47 PM. Reason: added thought..

05-24-2009, 09:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
kaczercat kaczercat's Photo Gallery Location: Southern ON Find me on the map! Zone: 5b 9b Name: Matt Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,874 BananaBucks : 223,541 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,116 Times Was Thanked 2,111 Times in 750 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 11 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Hey, I am Canadian too. I have had A few people On here that i have bought pups and such from and it worked out well. This form is great lots of friendly people to talk with. I have tried to buy banana plants from ty ty , going bananas, and Sandy @northern tropics. Since they have a business and a license they cant ship to Canada . The only bananas i have found here are basjoo and dc. This is why i want to move to the states ( Florida) when i finish high school or collage. So i can have more of a verity of tropicals, bananas citrus ect. Anyway its fun here on this site. __________________ Matt

05-24-2009, 10:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Yeah, the funny thing is, I've never even seen an actual banana plant, let alone grown one, and I am already addicted! Looking at all the gorgeous pics, I can only imagine one in person. I just love them. Thanks for all the great replies everyone. It seems pretty cool here. I can't wait to get a plant too, because I am addicted to posting pics! Are ya only allowed to post pics of banana plants? Or other plants as well? I am ashamed to say that no, I am not a very patient person, even though I grow from seed, but I am trying. I will definitely give it some more time, and see what comes... : )

05-24-2009, 10:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
kaczercat kaczercat's Photo Gallery Location: Southern ON Find me on the map! Zone: 5b 9b Name: Matt Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,874 BananaBucks : 223,541 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,116 Times Was Thanked 2,111 Times in 750 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 11 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... You can post pics of any plant you want. I have pics of blueberry plants palm trees and of coarse banana plants :P __________________ Matt

05-25-2009, 12:16 AM	#14 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... In that case then, here are some of my current indoor seed grown plants! The first 2 pics are my African Daisy hybrid (Osteospernum). The next pic is my French Vanilla marigold. The two after that are my indoor rose pink lilies, and the last pic is my entire living room window setup...

05-25-2009, 05:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
kaczercat kaczercat's Photo Gallery Location: Southern ON Find me on the map! Zone: 5b 9b Name: Matt Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,874 BananaBucks : 223,541 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,116 Times Was Thanked 2,111 Times in 750 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 11 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Wow they are beautiful flowers . I have had god luck with marigolds and thats it one of my fav flower i love Christmas cactus too too bad they only flower just before Christmas. i wish i had this great talent growing from seeds. thanks for postin the pics __________________ Matt

05-25-2009, 06:19 AM	#16 (permalink)
Crazy_canuck Junior Member Crazy_canuck's Photo Gallery Location: Ontario, Canada Find me on the map! Zone: 5b Name: Matt Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 26 BananaBucks : 16,788 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... I agree with Kaczercat you can find a Dwarf Cavendish, Basjoo, or more commonly Super Dwarf Cav. at almost any nursery or even grocery stores in the summer up here. If you become more interested in growing bigger banana’s you can find some good varieties with some patience.

05-25-2009, 07:59 AM	#17 (permalink)
ewitte ewitte's Photo Gallery Location: Houston Zone: 9 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 449 BananaBucks : 50,513 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 194 Times in 107 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Even here everything you find in the stores is ornamental. Luckily its not that hard to get shipping or even find people here in the same city.

05-25-2009, 08:04 AM	#18 (permalink)
sunfish Banned sunfish's Photo Gallery Location: San Diego Find me on the map! Zone: 9-11 Name: Tony Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 18,429 BananaBucks : 998,894 Feedback: 8 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,210 Times Was Thanked 20,592 Times in 7,760 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2,716 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... I don't have banana seeds but I have passiflora seeds. What passion flowers are you growing , do you have any seed for trade?

05-25-2009, 08:04 AM	#19 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Yes, I am going to have a look around and get a plant that really appeals to me. Thanks for all the compliments! Yes, those marigolds are quite special, and are not easy to acquire. The big carnation-like blooms are so pretty. Shame you have no banana seeds - we could have traded. I am big on seed trading. You can get a xmas cactus to bloom in summer, but you have to put it on a 12/12 cycle (12 hours of darkness, and 12 hours of light everyday, until buds appear). You can trick your cactus into blooming even in the warmer months - I've done it. : )

05-25-2009, 08:08 AM	#20 (permalink)
The Hollyberry Lady The Hollyberry Lady 's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 15,161 BananaBucks : 1,319,016 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 12,042 Times Was Thanked 11,326 Times in 5,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 102 Times	Re: Is it because I am in Canada?... Sunfish: I am growing caerulea passiflora, and may have a few extra seeds for trade yes! Which kinds do you have? I am also expecting a couple more varieties from a trade very shortly, but I don't know what they are just yet... : )

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