I planted 22 Musa Basjoo healthy plants with at least 4 leaves per plant from a Fla. grower. I planted on May 31 2009, of course June wAS THE WETTEST MONTH ON RECORD FOR ZONE 7 (7a) EASTERN L I ( hAMPTONS) but it seems that almost all have survived with all having grown at least 1 new leaf. The average temp was at least 10 F below normal. June in the Hamptons should be about 75-80 day and 66-72 night. This year about 10 F lower.
My other tropical( semi Trop) elephant earsn Cana & newly planted Castor Bean are doing well except some of the elephants are busting at the seems, several appx 17" accross by 24 L .
!. Should my Musa which are about 8" above ground be doing better.
2. I water and use a liquid fert ( Miracle grow 1X a week) Is this O Kay
3. Can I expect any bragging growth this Summer ( which is finally here)

I am a new gardener having grown up and lived in Manhattan all my life. My only experience with tropicals was along time ago under different circumstances in a place, except for the plants, well, you figure it out !!!

Anu suggestion greatly appreciated. GOD BLESS AMERICA> HAPPY JULY 4th
Thank you

Just give the bananas some time. Since it is not hot up there (at night) do not water them a lot. In fact, actually let them go without water for a few days, sometimes that can stimulate a growth spurt when you do get back to watering them. I have used various fertilisers on my bananas but from what I can understand you have yours in containers, so Miracle Gro is the best thing. If you have them on the south facing side of the house/apartment/whatever they could possibly stay warmer over night but will certainly get the longest amount of heat from sunlight in the morning and evening.

If the containers are not big enough the growth will be limited. You want big containers - but not so big you can't move them. I get the gallon sizes all mixed up. But basically the size container small sized big trees come in.

Your cannas, which are in the banana family, do you know what kind they are? Indian Princess? Those grow super fast. I'm always throwing them away.

Any idea what kind of elephant ears you have? There are various size taro plants. Alocasia?

Hope that helps.