Is my musa bajoo dead?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by garden_fiend, Apr 29, 2009.

  1. garden_fiend

    garden_fiend Gardener

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    I have just dug around the roots of my banana and although they seem solid and the roots are a good colour, there is absolutely no new growth. Any ideas? It was cut right down to soil level in the winter. Not sure what to do now. Should I give it more time before I attempt to dig it up? I tried to dig some of it out, but it felt quite solid, so I then left it alone. Am I being too impatient? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

    Many thanks. GF.
     
  2. Banana Man

    Banana Man You're Growing On Me ...

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    YES ! If the roots are good it will sucker, leave it alone you fiend !:D:gnthb:
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I agree, its very early yet as regards suckers, they take much longer to get started than existing stems.
     
  4. garden_fiend

    garden_fiend Gardener

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    Patience was never my strong point! Thanks for that guys.

    Now I'll have to find somewhere else to plant it's replacement bought last week!

    GF.
     
  5. walnut

    walnut Gardener

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    Definitely twirly leave it be.
     
  6. Tropical_Gaz

    Tropical_Gaz Gardener

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    All of my basjoo were cut to the ground, Some suckers have started already, but nothing much. Give it more time.
     
  7. Dave_In_His_Garden

    Dave_In_His_Garden Gardener

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    I do think mine is dead though - it is brown and squelchy, the stem broke in high winds and I have seen suckers on the ones in my greenhouse but nothing on this one. Or should I give it a bit longer?
     
  8. Tropical_Gaz

    Tropical_Gaz Gardener

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    It sounds like you have lost the stem from last year. But even small plants will sucker again. Well worth waiting a bit longer yet. One of my bigger clumps from last year only has a single very small sucker - maybe 2cm tall. Cut off the mushy part and if you fancy it have a gentle look at the roots, if they are firm and not looking rotten then you will be fine.
     
  9. Dave_In_His_Garden

    Dave_In_His_Garden Gardener

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    Thanks for the reply Gaz - any tips for successfully cutting off the brown and squelchy part? It's way too big for secateurs or loppers and too solid for shears! I guess I could try sawing it...?!
     
  10. Tropical_Gaz

    Tropical_Gaz Gardener

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    i would use a saw. Are you sure its squelchy all the way to the ground? Might be worth chopping it a bit at a time in case there is anything good left inside.
     
  11. Dave_In_His_Garden

    Dave_In_His_Garden Gardener

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    Well, it is very squelchy at the top of the stump. and the stump is only about 6 inches off the ground! So gutted as I had had some really good growth on it last year as well! Wrapped it up for the winter, and then it got taken out by the wind!
     
  12. garden_fiend

    garden_fiend Gardener

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    The roots of my banana are still solid, but there's still no suckers showing. I am living in hope!!!!!!

    GF.
     
  13. Banana Man

    Banana Man You're Growing On Me ...

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    GF you may not see any until the middle of warm June ! Until the ground warms it won't be interested.
     
  14. garden_fiend

    garden_fiend Gardener

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    Excitement all round here! No - my banana has not sent up any suckers, but a couple of banana seeds (ensetes)I bought in a moment of madness have germinated. Yes! (should keep me occupied while I sit in wait for the musa to do it's stuff).

    A very happy GF.
     
  15. youngdaisydee

    youngdaisydee Gardener

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    :yho: Wayhay GF really happy for you, now im worrying about my Banana, like yours its black but still wrapped up so keeping my fingers crossed :gnthb:
     
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