edna

I could really use help on getting my new corm planted . I have no idea where to start. Any help would be appreciated. I also wanted opinions on what you thought of the corm. I uploaded photos to my gallery .

edna

I am very new to banana growing. I did have one nice big variegated at one time , it got too big to take in and out to over winter so I wanted to try again. I just bought this corm but it looks dead to me with inexperienced eyes as to what a good corm looks like.

john_ny

You have to tell us where you're located.

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John

jeffaroo

Location? Variety?

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Keep shoveling on the potash till the ground bleeds

Tytaylor77

That corm was for sure cut awhile ago. Doesn't look dead but is dried up and calloused. I would trim all dead dry roots off and scrape any soft spots on the corm (it will come off like woody material).

Next I do but if your not comfortable just skip it. I peal a layer of the outer most pstem (the oldest leaf). It should be mostly brown and dry but may have some moisture. This allows for fresh rooting tissue to be exposed.

Next it needs to be rooted in coarse sand (quartz silica). Not normal sand. The easiest way to buy it is swimming pool sand filter sand. It will say quartz silica on it. Pot some gravel or larger rocks on the bottom of the pot by the drain holes so the sand won't drain straight through. Next put the cormm in (doesn't have to be a big pot. An inch around the corm is all the space you need). You want the sand to cover all the corm and all that sticks out is pstem.

Here is the important part. Water it in really well. Now sit it somewhere warm out of the weather. Do not water again for 7-10 days. And only lightly water then. Around day 14 spray water to loosen the sand and gently pull the corm out. You wanna see pretty white roots.

If you see roots remove from sand and pot in a light potting soil mixed with 30-50% perlite. Water it in and let it sit in the shade only watering every 7 days until you see a leaf push.

If no roots put it back in sand and keep checking every 7-10 days for roots. Warmth helps a lot depending where you live. Less warmth more time.

Good luck and keep us updated. I have used this method so many times and it is by far the best I have found. If you don't see roots in 3 weeks I would search for a warmer spot out of the rain.

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edna

I'm in zone 7b.

edna

It's a variegated from Thailand .

I will follow your instructions .
Would a heat mat help ? I can do that if I need to. I have a green house as well .

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help.

edna

I will go and get started and report back . Thanks a million .

Tytaylor77

No problem! Good luck and keep us updated when you get roots! In 7b you should be ok this time of year in the greenhouse. I wouldn't use the heat mat for the course sand/rooting. You can put the pot of potting soil on the heating mat for a week or 2 but again I think the greenhouse will be plenty.

Good luck!

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edna

Thanks so much. OK, no heat mat for the sand pot. Should I cover it in any way or just leave it open, it's kind of dappled sun in there this time of year .

Tytaylor77

Dappled sun indoors is ok. Rain is bad. Just leave it uncovered. Just pretty much leave it and ignore it for 10 days. Water very lightly and on day 14+ do a root check. . Nothing to it. It will be growing great soon.

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150+ Varieties!!. See profile for list. Help me add more!

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