Re: Hardy Bananas
Kurt,
The variety Raja Puri looks pretty interesting as a possible for
fruiting in less than ideal climates. I understand it to be
marginally hardier than Orinoco and a few people over here are trying
it out in sheltered spots out of doors. My money goes on the
so-called dwarf form of Orinoco which should mature sooner than its
bigger brother since both varieties are fine in areas with very light,
infrequent frosts.
Here all but the most heat demanding types manage to retain their
stems (pseudo-trunks) in winter with only the foliage looking rather
sad by January/early February. This is soon replaced and I tend to
just fold the innermost leaves over and tie them in to form a 'tent' .
This prevents winter rains from soaking down between the leaf bases
and causing various rots to set in.
Dave Poole
TORQUAY UK
