Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch

JCDerrick · 09-02-2009, 04:56 PM

It only took four years, but I finally got my first bloom from one of my Cavendish plants. I am still assuming this is a Dwarf Cavendish and not a 'Truly Tiny' - but I honestly am not sure.

My question is about when I can take the bunch off the stem. It started blooming in mid-August and our first frost here is going to be around Halloween. I am not sure what time it takes for the bananas to ripen on the stem, or if/when I cut it how long it would take for them to ripen that way. I assume I can cut the bunch at some point and hang it up in the shower or something.

Any help would be most appreciated. I've really missed being on the forums this year; real life has just kept me so incredibly busy.

Thanks,
John

JCDerrick · 09-02-2009, 05:06 PM

One other question while I'm thinking about it. The last few years I've had these DC's I've always dug them up for the winter. They are getting awfully big now and I am curious if they'd possibly survive my winter here? I know it's border line, so I'd at least split a pup off before trying it. Any thoughts on their chances here?

enigma99a · 09-02-2009, 05:17 PM

I hope that the first frost comes late for you this year. Usually takes around 6 months to ripen on the plant, even 3 months would be nice before you cut it off.. Perhaps you can protect it long enough to cut it. Anyone else have input?

ArchAngeL01 · 09-02-2009, 05:20 PM

WoW~ the first dc i seen bloom so far~ great job! sorry i dont know about the fruit though

enigma99a · 09-02-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCDerrick

One other question while I'm thinking about it. The last few years I've had these DC's I've always dug them up for the winter. They are getting awfully big now and I am curious if they'd possibly survive my winter here? I know it's border line, so I'd at least split a pup off before trying it. Any thoughts on their chances here?

DCs are total wimps. Even I have trouble with them when it gets to 29/30 with frost cover. Had a couple survive the cold only to die to rotting from cool rain over a month period (although always above 35F).

sirmoebly · 09-02-2009, 07:32 PM

It takes 6 months to ripen for a dc?????

damaclese · 09-02-2009, 07:55 PM

i was under the impression 3 months to ripen there faster then most

sirmoebly · 09-02-2009, 09:03 PM

Thank you I feel much better now

.........

enigma99a · 09-03-2009, 03:31 AM

Per the comment below, maybe it DOES take 6 months. But regardless, it will be good when it's done!

jen · 09-03-2009, 07:51 AM

The lady across the street has a DC and it took hers a FULL 6 months but they were so good when finally ready.

That is a beautiful picture. Good luck!

Jen

sirmoebly · 09-03-2009, 08:37 PM

not if you live in zone six!!!!!

JCDerrick · 09-04-2009, 11:55 AM

Six months? Holy cow... I might have to try and dig it up then for the winter and just pray that doesn't disturb it too much. At least then it could continue development in my garage under the halides - though that's a drastic reduction in light.

Anyone think that'll work? Or would I be better just protecting it from early frosts and then cutting the bunch off before the first bad freeze? Last year that came early in a VERY cold November for us.

Ultimately it sounds like I'm gonna need to split pups if I want DC's next year regardless - I doubt they'll survive our winter here if they are big cold wimps. Despite their short heights, I love the huge leaves, so I'd hate not to have them.

capthof · 09-04-2009, 12:31 PM

My mahoi, which is a form of Cavendish, takes 4 months to fully ripen.
Sometimes longer in cooler weather.
The good news is that if you can get the fruit to fatten up a little it can ripen and taste just fine even if not fully developed.
Good Luck!

r3tic · 09-04-2009, 01:56 PM

I would leave it in the ground as long as possible then dig it up and bring it in. No need to disturb it before you have to. Keep up posted on what you do and include lots of pics please.

enigma99a · 09-04-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r3tic

I would leave it in the ground as long as possible then dig it up and bring it in. No need to disturb it before you have to. Keep up posted on what you do and include lots of pics please.

Yes this is the best thing to do. Even in zone 9a, I think the plant will be roasted. Corm would probably survive but that's not what you want

Good luck with your project!

jack hagenaars · 09-05-2009, 11:41 AM

What about leaving it in the ground,and building a plastic cover over it until the bananas are ripe enough to be picked....

momoese · 09-05-2009, 11:59 AM

Ripening time depends on location and temperature. In my yard everything takes at least 6 months, including Dwarf Cavendish.

I'd say if they are not plump before the first frost is predicted you should cover them with a makeshift greenhouse, and add a heat matt or x-mas lights to help keep the soil warm. They will ripen at pretty much any stage of development but flavor and texture will be better with some maturity.

Great picture btw!!

JCDerrick · 09-05-2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks guys, maybe I can find a way to put a little GH over it or something - though it's pretty tight in with other plants, so I'll have to experiment with that space wise. Worst case I will dig it up at the last minute, and put it in a good size pot under the halides - there should be enough energy in the stem to produce the bananas that way... hopefully.

I will definitely keep you all posted - I suspect in future years I'll be doing this with the larger fruiting bananas too. Given how many of my basjoo finally bloomed this year, I am hoping the IC and/or Orinocos will bloom in the near year or two.

Nicolas Naranja · 09-05-2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCDerrick

My question is about when I can take the bunch off the stem.

I would leave it up for 1000 Celsius growing degree days if you could. I just had some of my Dwarf Cavendish plants throw bunches in mid-August and here in southern Florida it is not predicted to reach that until late October-mid November. Your best bet is probably to just take it off before that first frost and ripen them as long as they have plumped up a bit.

TommyMacLuckie · 09-06-2009, 01:36 PM

9A is only a problem if it gets below 35. Sometimes it doesn't do that. Regardless, yeah, a temporary greenhouse cover would be good.

09-02-2009, 04:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
JCDerrick KeoniKale JCDerrick's Photo Gallery Location: Lexington, SC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: John Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 324 BananaBucks : 73,206 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 68 Times Was Thanked 126 Times in 73 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch It only took four years, but I finally got my first bloom from one of my Cavendish plants. I am still assuming this is a Dwarf Cavendish and not a 'Truly Tiny' - but I honestly am not sure. My question is about when I can take the bunch off the stem. It started blooming in mid-August and our first frost here is going to be around Halloween. I am not sure what time it takes for the bananas to ripen on the stem, or if/when I cut it how long it would take for them to ripen that way. I assume I can cut the bunch at some point and hang it up in the shower or something. Any help would be most appreciated. I've really missed being on the forums this year; real life has just kept me so incredibly busy. Thanks, John __________________ *Malama 'Aina* Normal Jan. Low: 34°F, Normal Jul High: 92°F Coldest: 16-20°F, Warmest: 98-103°F Annual Precip: 48 inches

09-02-2009, 05:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
JCDerrick KeoniKale JCDerrick's Photo Gallery Location: Lexington, SC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: John Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 324 BananaBucks : 73,206 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 68 Times Was Thanked 126 Times in 73 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch One other question while I'm thinking about it. The last few years I've had these DC's I've always dug them up for the winter. They are getting awfully big now and I am curious if they'd possibly survive my winter here? I know it's border line, so I'd at least split a pup off before trying it. Any thoughts on their chances here? __________________ *Malama 'Aina* Normal Jan. Low: 34°F, Normal Jul High: 92°F Coldest: 16-20°F, Warmest: 98-103°F Annual Precip: 48 inches

09-02-2009, 05:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
enigma99a enigma99a's Photo Gallery Location: Rocklin, CA Find me on the map! Zone: 9b+ Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 476 BananaBucks : 101,823 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 103 Times Was Thanked 277 Times in 129 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch I hope that the first frost comes late for you this year. Usually takes around 6 months to ripen on the plant, even 3 months would be nice before you cut it off.. Perhaps you can protect it long enough to cut it. Anyone else have input? __________________ Average January Low: 40°F, Average August High: 95°F Typical Low Each Winter: 28-30°F, Typical High Each Summer: 108-110°F, Annual Precipitation: 22 inches

09-02-2009, 05:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
ArchAngeL01 ArchAngeL01's Photo Gallery Location: Greenville, SC Zone: 8A Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 849 BananaBucks : 145,848 Feedback: 4 / 83% Said "Thanks" 104 Times Was Thanked 433 Times in 165 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 3 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch WoW~ the first dc i seen bloom so far~ great job! sorry i dont know about the fruit though __________________ Brad

09-02-2009, 07:32 PM	#6 (permalink)
sirmoebly sirmoebly's Photo Gallery Location: Oak Harbor, Ohio Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Name: Moe Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 378 BananaBucks : 24,249 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 181 Times Was Thanked 160 Times in 92 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 7 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch It takes 6 months to ripen for a dc?????

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09-02-2009, 07:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
damaclese Living in Exile damaclese's Photo Gallery Location: Henderson NV Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Mediterranean climate Name: Paulo Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,767 BananaBucks : 288,131 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,352 Times Was Thanked 1,620 Times in 706 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 101 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch i was under the impression 3 months to ripen there faster then most __________________ Helping to foster understanding for the learning disabled

09-02-2009, 09:03 PM	#8 (permalink)
sirmoebly sirmoebly's Photo Gallery Location: Oak Harbor, Ohio Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Name: Moe Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 378 BananaBucks : 24,249 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 181 Times Was Thanked 160 Times in 92 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 7 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch Thank you I feel much better now.........

09-03-2009, 03:31 AM	#9 (permalink)
enigma99a enigma99a's Photo Gallery Location: Rocklin, CA Find me on the map! Zone: 9b+ Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 476 BananaBucks : 101,823 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 103 Times Was Thanked 277 Times in 129 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch Per the comment below, maybe it DOES take 6 months. But regardless, it will be good when it's done! __________________ Average January Low: 40°F, Average August High: 95°F Typical Low Each Winter: 28-30°F, Typical High Each Summer: 108-110°F, Annual Precipitation: 22 inches Last edited by enigma99a : 09-03-2009 at 03:18 PM.

09-03-2009, 07:51 AM	#10 (permalink)
jen jen's Photo Gallery Zone: 10 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 215 BananaBucks : 67,527 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 56 Times Was Thanked 174 Times in 66 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch The lady across the street has a DC and it took hers a FULL 6 months but they were so good when finally ready. That is a beautiful picture. Good luck! Jen

09-03-2009, 08:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
sirmoebly sirmoebly's Photo Gallery Location: Oak Harbor, Ohio Find me on the map! Zone: 6 Name: Moe Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 378 BananaBucks : 24,249 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 181 Times Was Thanked 160 Times in 92 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 7 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch not if you live in zone six!!!!!

09-04-2009, 11:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
JCDerrick KeoniKale JCDerrick's Photo Gallery Location: Lexington, SC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: John Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 324 BananaBucks : 73,206 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 68 Times Was Thanked 126 Times in 73 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch Six months? Holy cow... I might have to try and dig it up then for the winter and just pray that doesn't disturb it too much. At least then it could continue development in my garage under the halides - though that's a drastic reduction in light. Anyone think that'll work? Or would I be better just protecting it from early frosts and then cutting the bunch off before the first bad freeze? Last year that came early in a VERY cold November for us. Ultimately it sounds like I'm gonna need to split pups if I want DC's next year regardless - I doubt they'll survive our winter here if they are big cold wimps. Despite their short heights, I love the huge leaves, so I'd hate not to have them. __________________ *Malama 'Aina* Normal Jan. Low: 34°F, Normal Jul High: 92°F Coldest: 16-20°F, Warmest: 98-103°F Annual Precip: 48 inches

09-04-2009, 12:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
capthof capthof's Photo Gallery Location: Jupiter; Fl Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Scott Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 408 BananaBucks : 14,150 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 45 Times Was Thanked 367 Times in 103 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 49 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch My mahoi, which is a form of Cavendish, takes 4 months to fully ripen. Sometimes longer in cooler weather. The good news is that if you can get the fruit to fatten up a little it can ripen and taste just fine even if not fully developed. Good Luck! __________________

09-04-2009, 01:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
r3tic r3tic's Photo Gallery Location: Drexel Hill, PA Find me on the map! Zone: 7-8 Name: Dave Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 216 BananaBucks : 46,246 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 531 Times Was Thanked 123 Times in 71 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 306 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch I would leave it in the ground as long as possible then dig it up and bring it in. No need to disturb it before you have to. Keep up posted on what you do and include lots of pics please. __________________

09-05-2009, 11:41 AM	#16 (permalink)
jack hagenaars jack hagenaars's Photo Gallery Location: Victoria,British Columbia Find me on the map! Zone: 8 a/b Name: Jack Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 236 BananaBucks : 50,979 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 3 Times Was Thanked 137 Times in 83 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 7 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch What about leaving it in the ground,and building a plastic cover over it until the bananas are ripe enough to be picked....

09-05-2009, 11:59 AM	#17 (permalink)
momoese Banana grower momoese's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: zone 10 Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 7,590 BananaBucks : 3,061 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,754 Times Was Thanked 10,888 Times in 3,311 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 729 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch Ripening time depends on location and temperature. In my yard everything takes at least 6 months, including Dwarf Cavendish. I'd say if they are not plump before the first frost is predicted you should cover them with a makeshift greenhouse, and add a heat matt or x-mas lights to help keep the soil warm. They will ripen at pretty much any stage of development but flavor and texture will be better with some maturity. Great picture btw!!

09-05-2009, 01:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
JCDerrick KeoniKale JCDerrick's Photo Gallery Location: Lexington, SC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: John Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 324 BananaBucks : 73,206 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 68 Times Was Thanked 126 Times in 73 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch Thanks guys, maybe I can find a way to put a little GH over it or something - though it's pretty tight in with other plants, so I'll have to experiment with that space wise. Worst case I will dig it up at the last minute, and put it in a good size pot under the halides - there should be enough energy in the stem to produce the bananas that way... hopefully. I will definitely keep you all posted - I suspect in future years I'll be doing this with the larger fruiting bananas too. Given how many of my basjoo finally bloomed this year, I am hoping the IC and/or Orinocos will bloom in the near year or two. __________________ *Malama 'Aina* Normal Jan. Low: 34°F, Normal Jul High: 92°F Coldest: 16-20°F, Warmest: 98-103°F Annual Precip: 48 inches

09-06-2009, 01:36 PM	#20 (permalink)
TommyMacLuckie Howboutcha! TommyMacLuckie's Photo Gallery Location: Mandeville, Louisiana Find me on the map! Zone: 8B Name: Tommy Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 427 BananaBucks : 212,666 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 7 Times Was Thanked 375 Times in 202 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1 Times	Re: Musa Dwarf Cavendish finally blooming - quick question about the bunch 9A is only a problem if it gets below 35. Sometimes it doesn't do that. Regardless, yeah, a temporary greenhouse cover would be good.

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