The tropical banana is not used to the cold winter in Germany, so you have to winterize it in good time in autumn. Here's how to do it.
Should you winterize bananas?
Bananas (Musa), if they are ahardy variety, should definitely be winterized or alternatively frost-proof over the winter They are similar to palm trees growing perennials originally come from tropical Southeast Asia and are therefore not adapted to the climatic conditions prevailing in Central Europe.
How do you winterize bananas?
First of all, you only need to winterize hardy bananas that have been planted in the garden. The Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo) is only partially hardy and must therefore be cut back in time before a cold snap and packed well. To do this, proceed as follows:
- Cut off the top of the banana. The leaves freeze back from minus three Celsius anyway.
- Put three to four wooden stakes into the ground around the trunk.
- Wrap around them with fine-mesh rabbit wire (€14.00 on Amazon).
- Fill the resulting cavity with plenty of leaves, wood shavings and/or straw.
- However, do not pack too tightly, otherwise mold growth and rot will occur.
Alternatively, you can also wrap the trunk in a jute bag and fill it as described.
When is the right time to winterize bananas?
Winter-hardy bananas can withstand temperatures down to minus ten degrees Celsius, although the leaves and trunk freeze back much earlier. You should therefore winterize the plants at the end of October or beginning of November at the latest at sustained temperatures of less than ten degrees Celsius. The exotic plants feel most comfortable when the thermometer shows at least 15 degrees Celsius, but if possible 20 degrees Celsius.
Also make sure that the location is protected from wind and rain - a wet winter can quickly cause the plant to rot under its winter protection.
When do you cut back bananas?
Pruning the banana is done before you winterize it and pack it up. Don't be afraid of a bold cut: the plants grow very quickly and will sprout again next spring. On average, a banana grows up to one centimeter – per day! – and gets a new sheet every week.
Tip
Can all bananas overwinter outside?
Only hardy varieties such as the Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo) are suitable for overwintering, although even these are only partially hardy and therefore have to be packed well. All other bananas as well as frost-resistant specimens in pots must overwinter inside the house or apartment.
