It's during these cold, damp days that I plan the changes in my garden for the upcoming year. It's what gets me thru the winter. I am tossing around the idea of moving my Musa sikkimensis (Hookeri) clump. It is 4 years old and got rather large this past summer. I underestimated it's size potential and planted it too close to my house (yet another learning opportunity). It has to lean out from under the eave and I fear what a few more years of growth will do. Although, the new pups seem to be growing away from the house. The problem is that I suspect it will be a very large root and I don't want to cut the 5 foot stalks I have over wintered. I am hoping for a bloom this year. I am torn between trying to move it in early Spring, before it starts growing, or in the Fall. I could cut it down then and just deal with the tubour. Or I could leave well enough alone and hope the new pups keep moving farther from the house. Has anyone moved a large banana before? Any thoughts? In addition to the M. sikkimensis, I have included a photo of my dwarf Musa acuminata who keeps me company in the livingroom over winter!
Hi palmera. These will continue to migratate away from the foundation but also likely stay in close proximity, forming a large clump. At this point it's really a question of what you want to see it the garden. I'd wager you would like to see it come off the side of your house. In which case, moving them can be done anytime now through early spring. I like working on this kind of project in late winter/early spring, on a nice sunny afternoon when temps are pleasant (12c-16c). So leave everything intact until you can move it out and in doing so, save the pseudostems for a possible flowering and fruit this year. Perhaps in the moving process there maybe a spare or stray off-set that you could trade for something? It's heavy work and your husband might help you if there's a nice home cooked meal at the end of it all ... hahaha. P.S. Will work for pups! How's your acuminata during winter for mites etc? Looking good! Cheers, LPN.
Barrie, you're right, I would like to see the big guy moved away from the house. It is encouraging that you think I could save the stems. My hubby is a good sport. Not only will he help, but he'll cook the meal, too! But, I would appreciate your help one day this Spring as this looks to be a two MAN job. (And the pups would love to go home with you!) As for my acuminata, I find that with consistant misting (2-3 times a week) and an occasional sponge bath, the mites are controlable. I am looking forward to Spring when I can move her back out onto the deck. The livingroom is starting to look a little Amazonish!
palmera ... just say the word and my shovel (and hopefuly good back) are yours for the task. Cheers, LPN.
