bannanas in San Diego?

South Eastern Connecticut --- indoors under lights. We gave out bannana bread to all our disbelieving friends last year. Charlie

I can remember a banana plant flowering and setting fruit in Orange, CA (33 47N), where I lived until moving to San Diego County 20 years ago. And, there is a rare fruit growers association in Fallbrook (32 44N) and at least a couple of exotic fruit ranches there that include fruiting bananas in their collection. I know little to nothing about growing bananas; but, as I understand, they will flower and set fruit if the micro-climate is right. I think they need more than a year of frost free temps to do so; and, after that, the stalk dies and should be cut back to the ground where a new plant will emerge from an underground rhizome. I'd check around for more info before getting the pruning saw out though, I could be wrong. :-)

Rich

Years ago I remember reading about a place that grew bananas commercially on a small scale along the central coast. They grew unusual varieties. There were several articles in various cooking magazines/ AAA mag and travel type stories on the local tv shows. I haven't been that way in a few years and don't know if they are still around.

I have several friends here in San Mateo who have bananas growing and fruiting in their yards. A few hours north of you :-)

It happens. We have lots of weird little microclimates in CA.

marcella

I was wondering if anyone else remembered that story. That place grew dozens of banana varieties. They were on a narrow bit of land with the ocean on one side and steep cliffs on the other side. I guess that guaranteed the area would never freeze. I don't remember exactly where the place was/is but it was definitely in California somewhere.

Steve

Hey! I found something on it...

Good work Marcella. I considered doing a search but didn't have time at that moment.

I remember the mention of the variety called "ice cream". I can picture a man taste testing that one, which makes me wonder if I saw it on TV. I wonder if it was a segment on the Victory Garden TV show?

Steve

Here in OZ one of the largest banana growing areas is Coff's Harbour on the east coast, about 31 deg. south. I have grown some in Melbourne at about 37 deg. south.

Paul Cordell.

Stokes Tropicals has a variety that you may be able to grow OUTDOORS in your location-it's an ultra cold hardy banana variety from Asia, I think. Not sure of the name.

Craig