I would like to see who has grown the largest basjoo bananas. If you can show a picture and list the state you live in.
This photo was taken at my uncles in Easter Kentucky. This was taken during late July and the plant ended up around 26 feet tall. They live in a valley and their is no wind and rich moist soil.
Wow!First year mine grew about 3'.The second year about 5 to 6'.This will be my third year.I am hoping for 8 to 10'.How long has your uncle's been in the ground?I live as far northeast in Ohio as you can get.Any more north and you are in Lake Erie.Any more east and you are in Pennsylvania.Edge
This banana is 3 years old. I have had older plants not grow as large. The area in Easter Kentucky looks like parts of China were the banana is found. The soil is rich and sandy and their are mountains all around that keep the wind off of the leaves. The soil is damp but not wet all of the time this may have a lot to do with it. I have another friend with a very large basjoo that is planted about 6 feet from a natural pond it seems the roots grow out to the waters edge each year and the plant becomes huge this endless supply of water, that is not drowning the plant really makes them take off.
Well, I better water more often.I do collect water in rain barrels and use it to water everything.I have 8 of them connected to my downspouts.I wouldn't say its an endless supply,but I seldom run out.Edge
These plants ended up going a foot over the roof. :) They made it through this winter fine again. :) North Central Ohio here.
-Joe
One more picture. I wish I had taken one right before the first frost, but Ike turned these luscious plants into shredded salad. You can see the plants in the lower left corner of this picture. They hit maybe ten or eleven feet. :)
Brian, thank you for your ongoing posts in here. You've been one of my inspirations.
-Joe
This message was edited Apr 18, 2009 9:51 PM
The plants look great and in that spot I am sure they are protected during winter.
I am glad to inspire you and others. I am just as much a fanatic as anyone else on here, just maybe a bit more obsessive. Sharing these stories and seeing others plant displays is always a pleasure for me. I know how much fun growing tropical plants can be and I think everyone should be grow them. It is great to see people willing to take the risks and try new plants and new types of landscapes that these plants can produce. I have friends here in Kentucky who's back yards are better than ones I have seen in Florida. Talking to these people you see that this is their hobby and passion and it is great to be apart of it.
