garek007

I have a Blue Java. How do I know when to harvest it by looking at it? Some people here have said 100 days or so after the flower appears, but I can't remember when the flower appeared? Is there a way to tell just by looking at it? Last time, I waited until the bananas started ripening on the tree, but I think that was too long. I saw Chiquita banana picks them when they are still green.

pitangadiego

Knowing when to pick your bananas is the final step in enjoying your harvest. I approach each new variety this way: when the first hand (not the flower) appears, (this is the most important step) I write the date on the side of the stalk with a felt pen. After 6 months, if they have not shown any color change, I cut off the top (oldest) hand, and allow it to ripen (usually in a couple weeks). If it is OK, I continue removing hands as I need them. Eventually the rest will ripen on the “tree”.

Time to ripening outside the tropics is more complicated. You have to factor in temps, time, variety, and if flowering was less than 6 months before winter, they may wait till spring to ripen. You have to experiment a little with your plant at your location.

__________________
Encanto Farms Nursery
http://encantofarms.com
We Be Bananas
http://webebananas.com

garek007

Thanks for the reply! I'm in San Diego, so I imagine it's very similar to you. Yeah I think the flower appeared in mid to early August and first hand maybe Sept 1, so sounds like I should wait until after winter. I have just heard a friend say that her neighbor in Pacific Beach cuts them off very soon after they appear, so I thought maybe it didn't matter too much once all hands are there.