Tropical Fruit > Tropical Fruit Discussion
banana troubles
tabbydan:
Today I got two banana plants for free (they were going to be composted) which I'm happy about (even though bananas are one of my least favorite fruits). The bananas were about 6' but I had them cut about 8" from the base, so I could transport them and deal with them.
I was grapling with one of the bananas and after I'd gotten some of the sap on me I was warned that "banana juice" would stain one's clothing. I was told the stain wouldn't be apparent until after I'd washed my clothes. So my first question is how to eliminate this future stain.
My second question is- even after cutting them they are too big and heavy. Does anyone have any tips for dealing with banana corms (like how to tease them apart, how to tell if you can't tease them apart)?
I have an Ensete ventricosum in a big pot that comes into the garage for the winter, but I'm not sure that real Musas are as hardy as Ensete. Also I'm not sure that there is room in my garage for 2 cars 1 Ensete plant, 220 gallons of water, and 2 bananas. Finally I'm not sure my back can take hauling the bananas up to the second floor (where I keep most of my plants in a room that my cats can't get into- more for my cats sake than my plants sake)
red durian:
best normal tool for separating bananas is a digging bar with a wedge-shaped end. I used to trim my new planting material pretty severely with a machete looking for stem borers and the bananas grew well. I don't think you have to worry about damaging your planting material.
wear clothing you don't mind staining when trimming leaves, flowers and when harvesting bananas.
zands:
Corms can take a lot of abuse. There is a lot of stored food (carbohydrates etc) in the corms. I have planted corms and before you know it shoots are being sent up. To separate your corm into two plants (I think you want to do) get a machete and a hammer. Use the hammer to drive the blade through the corm. If no machete a heavy kitchen knife or cleaver. You could cut part way through with a circular saw ........
Or could try a saw used for carpentry. I have not tried a camping saw or hacksaw but the possibilities are endless
red durian:
--- Quote from: zands on October 13, 2012, 07:06:09 AM --- Use the hammer to drive the blade through the corm.
--- End quote ---
If you want to hit a machete blade for anything, (like - to split bamboo) use a piece of 2X4 or firewood.
zands:
--- Quote from: red durian on October 13, 2012, 07:29:02 AM ---
--- Quote from: zands on October 13, 2012, 07:06:09 AM --- Use the hammer to drive the blade through the corm.
--- End quote ---
If you want to hit a machete blade for anything, (like - to split bamboo) use a piece of 2X4 or firewood.
--- End quote ---
Good idea!
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