I have both sprouting now(nagensium and cheesemani) The nagensium is growing faster so far. My yunnanasis did have a red midrib but it faded when it got larger. They made it through the winter. Each corm has three sprouts coming up. My basjoo and sikkimensis are both sprouting up fast. I have an ele ele banana that I overwintered indoors and planted it outside. The summer like temps we have been having did not agree at all with it. I dug it up and put it back in a large pot and placed it in the shade to see if it will come back. I read to place it in full sun but it seems not to tolerate it very well. I am going to replant in in semishade and try it there. My yunnanasis trunks were a nice blue color. I did not grow them from seed. Bought them off of ebay. They were about 5 or 6 inches tall when I got them. The largest one grew to 8ft last year. I am also trying to grow some velutina and abyssinian bananas. I am going to mulch the velutinas but I am going tom dig up and store the abyssinians in my storage shed. I don't think they would make it through the winter here if mulched.

Dirtdeb, The only place I have found/purchsed the Musa Basjoo is from Logee's Greenhouses in Danielson, CT. The place is an AWESOME place to visit, but, if you can't make the drive, they also do mail order. They have a website as well. Frances, I don't have any experience with over wintering them, yet. I tried to dig mine up to winter over in the basement, but that was a failed effort. The foliage dies after the first hard frost, which you cut to the ground, so all you are "overwintering" is the root system. I do believe it is recommended to insulate it with thick mulching. Logee's has a specimen that they overwinter--I believe they described how they mulched it in their catalog. Even if I wasn't able to winter one over, I'd buy another the next year. I love the dramatic statement they make in the garden...especially now that I'm into tropical stuff! Emily

ok, well i see all the pics didnt post, so, im tring to figure out how to attach all of them using photo bucket, sorry, be patient. The musa basjo is going on its 4th summer this year, i planted two, 1 gal potted bananas and this is what they developed into. They do recieve alot of water, the auto sprinkler system hits them everyday during the hottest part of the summer and that really pushes their growth. Here is another pic of another banana in my yard in the summer of 06, this specimen has also doubled in size and infact needs to be moved as it is in conflict with the Blue Atlas Cedar Here is a link that might be useful:

Hello Everyone, I have had my dissapointments as well, My tomatoes look like they are just barely trying to hang on...LOL and i continue to grow these every year!!! When will i learn. : ) I just love "Homegrown Tomatoes" nothing is better...than Homegrown Tomatoes... LOL remember the song? Anyone..."John Denver..." Any way, some of my other dissapointments was losing a Windmill in the rock pond that my DH wanted to put in. I knew that The tree was to close to the water and the pile of rocks...so ...yes, i witness it slow death and it killed me. Finally had to see if one of the Palm boys from down the street wanted to come and rescue it but it was to big and to awkward to try to move. Then i finally had to give the word to get the chainsaw out and take it down...i hate to admit it but it was only on its last leg and looked really bad. At least i can blame it on my DH!!! He still says that it wasnt all of the digging and the rock wall and the fountain..but i know!!! We all know our trees...and it did it to my poor baby! That was my biggest disapointment of the season, losing one of my 16 footers... But all is well, it looks good in that corner now, and "his" rock garden is doing great!! LOL MY rewards for the season is that my palms look great after the Hurricane, Earthquake and Tornado all in one week here in VB...LMAO! Can you believe that? My Plumies are all doing great and i will post a new set of pics under my JUly thread when i get home so you can see the change in the look of the yard in 2 months. I have had more blooms (inflos) on my trees than i ever had, so for that im very grateful. You all know that i am a plumie nut along with being a Palm nut too! LOL...OH well... MY other greatest gift was that of my daughter..she is doing great after her heart surgery and for that i am the most thankful mom in the world.... Nothing could be better right now... "Life is good today...LIfe is good...." Got to love Zac Brown!!! Take care evevryone, That you ALex for this great threat to let us sound off and let the frustrations out!!! Also to let us share the joy of the summer with all of our friends here on this great forum!!! Thank you all.... Take care, Laura in VB