I would like to use shoots from some of my banana trees to fill in large noticeable gaps between my banana trees (Musa basjoo). I would appreciate guidance on doing that. How big the shoot should be before transplanting it. How much of the sub system/root system I need to get.

I did a test of three so far. One was about 12 inches high with small amount of root system intact. Another was about 7 inches with some root system. I planted both of these already, hoping they will take. No visible signs of them taking to otherwise yet. It's been about a week.

I dug up another; however no root system came up. I placed that in water and experienced some growth out the bottom, but no roots growing yet. Is there a way to spark some roots, so I can plant it? Will this tree survive? Any further guidance is appreciated.

Please note I have several other locations to transplant sprouts. Rather than waiting until it's un-Godly hot here I would like to get all the transplanting done early... especially with all the GREAT rain we've received lately.

Thank you all for your input.
Dan
Dallas, TX

Cut them off at 3feet high, taking a big piece of root with them, suckers should grow well ,not to much water, generaly they divide easliy and start to grow roots 2 to 3weeks later.
steven

I also tried this. Someone gave a native banana sucker to me. It is red, but gave to me just a little corm, with a small round bud and have NO roots. I just planted it in the ground, exposing the bud. After 2 weeks, it started to pop out small leaflets. After 1 month, it's now a new sucker. If a sucker has no roots yet, they could still grow.

Thanks

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Plant a Banana in Soil;
And Before you know, it will start to grow...

maybe i'm doing something wrong! i have tried to tranplant my suckers, but have had no success! help! i can't seem to get any roots. i have tried again today, but am not reassured about the outcome. i'm not sure what the bud is, but my sucker looks like i hacked off the end, no roots or bud. is this the right way?!
thanks!
Edited by knichols77 on Aug 22, 2007 at 04:57 PM

I think you have the corm. I don't think it will grow. I need a photo please?
\
Thanks

---

Plant a Banana in Soil;
And Before you know, it will start to grow...

As Rooikop mentioned I would wait until they are about 3ft. For what ever reason I haven't had anything survive that is less than 3ft at the time of transplant. When they are that big I just used a shovel to dig out the plant with about 5 inches all the way around... when possible. I have been fortunate enough to have roots in those cuttings, and the trees took off FAST. Less than 3 ft, I couldn't get a root and they died. 8(

Most of my "core" banana trees are about 8 inches in diameter and 14ft tall. Two of the trees I transplanted when I posted this thread are now 7ft tall and full... just awesome looking.

I will create another thread, but I would really appreciate anyone's input on when I might be able to see some bananas growing... They're non-edible with my type of tree (basjoo), but I just can't wait to see some fruit.

Thanks!!!
Dan

great, thanks for the responses! i must have cut prematurely...they weren't quite 3 ft...

i guess i'll have to wait and get one a little taller!
thanks, kate

We just moved into a new house in Atlanta with some HUGE banana trees in the backyard. We would like to move them to other locations around the yard as they are all bunched up together. We would like to divide a clump of four 10 inch diameter trees, how and when is the best way to do this??

I do not think that these produce fruit as we have not seen anything yet. I would like to know if we can take some of the smaller ones inside and grow in a large pot during the winter, and how can we make sure that these guys come up again next year? It does not get too cold here in the winter, but I would like to ensure that we can enjoy them again next year. Any info would be appreciated!! THANKS!
Edited by edevine on Sep 7, 2007 at 09:01 AM

I would recommend you start a new thread/topic asking that question. I've not moved any of my BIG mothers as I started out with them in the right place. I was only attempting to move the babies... sounds like you have some monsters on your hands! Sounds like fun. You may want to take pictures of the trees as well, so others have an idea of what you're talking about.

Referring to my banana trees (basjoo/hardy)... I do NOT cut them down during the winter. I did previously and the rate at which they grew back was MUCH slower. By March I had 5ft banana trees... simply by leaving the dead stumps be all winter long.

All the best on your new banana tree family... take care, have fun, and enjoy!