There are now winter-hardy banana plants available in stores for the garden. They can tolerate cold temperatures of up to -10°C. But not every variety is frost hardy, so you should inquire about this when purchasing.
Can banana plants stay outside in winter?
Winter-hardy banana plants can tolerate temperatures down to -10 °C and can overwinter in the garden. Sufficiently high humidity, frost-free watering days, frost protection for the root area and pest control are important. Tropical varieties require warm winter quarters.
How does a banana plant want to overwinter?
Banana trees from tropical areas do not need any special winter quarters; they are usually kept as “normal” houseplants and can stay in the living room all year round. Banana plants may be able to spend the summer outside if it is warm enough. To do this, the perennials should slowly get used to the sun and fresh air.
All other banana trees like to spend their winter rest in a cool and bright winter quarters. There they continue to be watered and fertilized, although slightly less than in the summer months. Sufficiently high humidity is also important. It should be around 50 percent. Warm, dry heating air easily leads to an infestation with spider mites or other pests.
What is the purpose of hibernation?
The so-called winter rest allows green plants to recover, which are then kept a little cooler than during the rest of the time. Plants that are particularly consuming or particularly in need of nutrients benefit from this break. They then sprout again more vigorously in the spring. Banana plants also belong to this category. If they miss the winter break, the perennials become limp more quickly and let their leaves droop.
How do I overwinter a banana plant in the garden?
Before overwintering in the garden, you should make sure that you actually have a hardy perennial. Good frost protection is essential in a harsh area. Protect the root area with a thick layer of leaves and brushwood, and only protect above-ground plant parts with a straw mat if necessary. But then make sure that the plant still gets enough air.
Since the banana plant grows very large, it needs water and nutrients even in winter. That's why you should water the plant regularly, even in winter, so that it doesn't die of thirst. However, only frost-free days are suitable for this, otherwise the irrigation water will freeze faster than the plant can absorb it. If your banana plant dies during a long period of frost, it doesn't necessarily have to be frozen.
The most important things in brief:
- mostly not hardy
- overwinter tropical perennials warmly
- All other banana plants overwinter in a cool place
- frost-hardy varieties can tolerate up to approx. – 10 °C
- water and fertilize even in winter
- check thoroughly for pests
- make sure the humidity is sufficiently high
- Avoid drafts and heating air that is too warm
Tip
If you are in doubt about the winter hardiness of your banana plant, then it is better to rely on frost-free overwintering. Then the plant can live up to six years.
