Posted by Paul Ont on 10/24/2009, 3:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Winter protection 2009/10"
99.234.47.243
Andres, There is no banana hardy to -34C. If someone is claiming that, they are actually claiming that the banana survived the winter under protection when the winter low was -34C.
The key with basjoo is making sure it doesn't freeze. If it does freeze it will die, even the roots. You need to keep the soil unfrozen, and the stem as well. As you point out, the stem can take exposure to sub zero (celsius) but prolonged exposure to even temps of -2 or -3C will cause complete freeze. You need to keep the stem/roots from freezing. Using an artificial heater (c9 lights (avoid LED they don't give off enough heat) covered with leaves, frost cloth, etc; or even one of those pipe heaters that turns on at 38f and off at 45f will work, you can get these at Canadian Tire). So, a good idea would be a large enclosure, giving 2-3' of airspace between the stem and the edge of the enclosure. Then apply the heater to the stem and fill the enclosure with leaves, styrofoam, or whatever insulaton you have. Keep as much moisture out as possible.
Hope this helps!
Message Thread:
« Back to thread