Friday, September 26, 2014

Planted Caven in the ground

Took my SDC out of the pot and put in the ground. It is now to big for the house and the corm and stalk will have a better chance of not freezing over the wither if it is in the ground rather than in a pot. I also am placing a PVC greenhouse over it. I fully expect the leaves will not survive the freezes but I do hope at least the thicker part of the stalk will survive for a quicker recuperation next spring.
A new hole for Caven to live in.
Ready for a new home in the ground for better protection in the winter.
In its new home. Looking West
In its new home. Looking North.
In its new home looking North. Finally got his feet in the real earth.
In its new home looking South. Finally got his feet in the real earth.
In its new home looking North with its top up but southern exposure  for some sun. Will close during non banana like weather.
In its new home looking South. Will close my "circulation hole" before cold sets in.
My Plant Information:Super Dwarf Cavendish
Lighting:4 ft. 6 tube - T-5 6400k High output fluorescent
Light hours:14 On - 10 Off
Grow More 16-8-24 Fruit FuelPremium Fruit Formula for application throughout the growing season. Contains full-spectrum of secondary and micro-nutrients utilized by fruiting plants. Provides plants with a steady dosage of potash for use during present cycle of fruit production or storage for next year's crop. Lower Nitrogen to Potassium ratio to discourage flower and fruit drop. Sufficient Phosphate level for excellent performance without over stimulating the plant to bloom out of season.
Soil:Standard potting soil - Without water retainers
Container Pot:21.4 gallon pot 22" avg. width, 13" deep - Setting on a water tank drip pan.
Pest Control:Safer Insect Killing Soap, Diatomaceous earth
Walk in plant closet:7' x 4'-6" - With curtain and a ceiling ventilation fan.
My Indoor Temps:Low 60(Winter) - Average 65-75 - High 80(Summer)
Hardiness Zone:8b North West Oregon Southern Willamette Valley, USA
Cavendish from Pup to Tree:The growth of my Super Dwarf Cavendish from Pup to Tree in one quick post. If you only want a quick summation of his growth in just one quick blog post, here it is.
Paul's Banana Plantation Photo Album:My rather large photo album of Cavendish for those with some time on there hands.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

How Cavendish is measuring up

   I have not done any measurements of my original banana tree in some time so I thought I would do so.
Circumference: 16" (at widest part of base)
Height: 27" to top of of a psudostem. (bottom of current leaf roll)
Largest leaf: 22.5" (the latest one) Largest leaf was about 24" once.
Number of leafs: 13 (not it including the current emerging leafroll, Leafs come and go but the leaf count usually remains at around 13)

   Next month I plan to plant Caven in the ground as he is now to big for the house.  I will put a clear plastic mini green house around him for the winter and hope for a milder winter than last year.  Hopefully I only lose the leafs and most of the psudostem will survive.  It all depends on how many consecutive cold freezing days we get that determine how deep the plant gets frozen. The photos below show his growth progress and where he will be planted.