andy17

Hey all!
I know it's the height of banana growing season right now, but as I watch these things grow, I can't help but think what I'm going to do with them once the weather turns cold in late October or early November. I have a basement with a north facing window that stays above 55 degrees F in the winter, but from previous experience, it's not the most ideal option. I was thinking about investing in poly greenhouse and a small heater instead, but I'm not sure how well these work for overwintering tropicals. The winters don't get too cold here, 35-40 degrees F is a good average. But occasionally, we get temps in the upper teens and lower twenties. Does anyone have any experience with this type of set up for overwintering bananas or a method that worked well for them? Thanks in advance!
--Andy

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Lancelot

I'm in Wisconsin and have overwintered my bananas in containers for the last 3 winters. I have a basement I put most of them in, also about 50 - 55 degrees F. I have lights set up on timers that give about 14 hrs. of light. I only water enough to keep them from drying out. The basjoo continues to grow, and some of the others also may put a leaf or two out during the 7 - 8 months they are down there. I have a screen porch with clear panels that I may bring some of them up when I get some warm days, but most are down in the basement the full time. When they do get back outside, they do get some leaf burn and look a little rough for a while, but they come back quickly when the warm days finally hit. I also have palms, and some other tropicals that get the same treatment, and really don't lose too many. I do keep some upstairs in the few sunny windows I have, mostly the smaller plants because they need better care.

cincinnana

I live in Southern Ohio and this is how I overwinter my bananas and tropicals: Towards the end of summer I treat the pots with insecticide to kill any little bugs that try to hitch a ride inside. Most of my bananas are in the 10 gal.-15 gal. pot size, 7-12 feet tall. After treating the soil I cut off half of the leaves that are growing on each plant and just move them into my basement. They are by double doors facing south and the bananas receive ambient light but no direct sunlight. Due to the heighth of the bananas the leaves are above the light that comes in the door. I also water them just enough to keep the soil on the dry side. I know when it's right when the soil starts to pull away from the pots. I do not use any other artificial light. I keep them like this for about 7 months. I usually experience no growth on my bananas during this dormant period but as soon as I move them outdoors and feed them they immediately start growing. I think the key for me is just barely any water and just a little light. I hope this helps also.

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Bob3

Having basement windows is a good heat source; all you need now is a good South facing wall to slap a "lean-to" type greenhouse onto & you should be good to go.
A box fan in the basement window hooked to a thermostat makes for a very inexpensive heater.
There are a couple posts on the forum here from members making some very effective & inexpensive greenhouses.

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andy17

Thanks everyone for the replies! They are definitely helpful. I have enough banana plants right now, that bringing them in for the winter would probably be my easiest and cheapest bet still. I'd rather not cut them back severely for the winter if possible, though. Is it possible to put them into dormancy or keep them growing slowly over the winter--like you would for a houseplant you bring out for the summer?

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andy17

@Bob3 That sounds like a good alternative too! Do you happen to know the links where some of those plans and concepts can be found?

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"Gardening is the purest of human pleasures." --Francis Bacon

andy17

@Lancelot that's what I would like to do. What type of lights do you use?

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Bob3

Here are a couple posts:
Getting ideas for winter?

Musa Blue Java hardiness

There are quite a few more, too. Hit the "search" button & start playing around with & plugging in different words & terms.

Oooo Oooo... here's a fun one: Greenhouse ideas / options ?

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andy17

@Bob3 This is really helpful--thanks! I'm thinking with my small collection this year, I'll probably try to bring them in the basement and withhold most of the water to put them into dormancy under CFL basement lights. Another option I am considering is to place a few of the smaller ones in a sun-soaked upper room that hits 70's and 80's during the daytime.

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Lancelot

I just use regular 4 ft. flourescents, I may throw a grow light in the mix in some spots, but found out it really isn't necessary. I hang the lights from the ceiling about 2 ft. from the walls, and then place the plants underneath. I also use the curly lights with the round reflectors for small plants that I have on a table. Everything is connected to a timer, so they get the 14 hrs of light each day.

andy17

@Lancelot That's great! Do your bananas keep growing through the winter? I have a shop light with two four foot grow lights in them, but I wasn't sure if they would be powerful enough to keep bananas happy for 3 or 4 months during winter.

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"Gardening is the purest of human pleasures." --Francis Bacon