Hi All you experts
This is my first year with Banana Masoo Basjoo (I think that's what I have)
It was given to me by a friend (2 yr old plant) this summer. I planted it in a LARGE patio pot, and want to store it bare root indoors for the winter.
I took it out of the pot yesterday, after cutting off the top (6" above soil level).
It became very root bound over the summer and is now a big nearly solid(?) cube about 22" square.
My question is this: Should I try to loosen all those roots and remove as much soil as possible from the bulb? Or slice off a large portion of the roots and then remove remaining soil?
I have learned that this variety is hardy in my zone5 area (if indeed it is a Basjoo) but since I grew it above ground this year, not knowing what variety it was-and, until I can verify it's variety, I plan on overwintering it bare root indoors, for lack of space to bring it in, in the pot.
Will someone please advise this sincere, but determined, new banana plant grower?
Thank you so much. I looked all over on line for the answer before bothering you great folks, but couldn't find the answer to my particular question.
sincerely,
Deanna
Emergency Banana Winter Storing Question-please help
You can just leave the soil on the roots and place the root ball in a garbage bag, moisten it SLIGHTLY and tie it shut. You don't need to do anything but check it for moisture periodically - once a month, maybe. Moisten it again if it starts to dry out. If you make it too moist, it will rot. Put it in a cool, dark corner and forget about it until spring. In April, repot it and begin watering is a little more until you see growth, probably in June. I would recommend planting it in the ground next spring.
Thank you, so much, Kay.
I will take your advice, and will surely plant in ground in the spring!
Wow. I think it should be a monster next year. It got nearly 7ft. this year, in the few months I had it.
Deanna