skip to main content

Questions about SDC

18 years ago

Hello, I have numerous questions about my Super Dwarf Cavendish Banana.

First, it actually is flowering (much to my surprise) and producing bananas, about 20 on what I am guessing is three hands. When will I know if they are ripe? Do they actually turn Yellow like store nanas?

Second, will cutting off the male flowers help or hurt the production? The fruit is on the bottom and there is 6+ inches of no fruit, so again I am guessing these are male flowers.

Third, I know the main plant will die after fruiting, should I wait until the fruit is harvested to divide the pups? I should also mention, the plant is in a large pot. I move it back into my greenhouse for the Winter.

Fourth, should I give it more of any kind of fertilizer? I give it a tad more Potassium than other plants along with the balanced Fert.

I am so excited that this thing is producing fruit, I actually got it last year in a plant swap from GW. I am from the school of, if it ain't broke don't fix it, it seems happy and fruiting so I don't want to do anything different unless I need to. Thanks!

Darren

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gardenguy_
18 years ago
Wow, that's great. A SDC with fruit. Just some questions for you.

1. Can you post pics of your fruiting SDC?
2. How does the SDC handle the pot in the greenhouse over the winter? Did it die back and pup alot?
0
The Citrus Guy
Original Author
18 years ago
Hey Gardenguy, I wish I could post a picture, I don't have a digital camara...maybe soon! The fruit is about the size of your thumb.
As for the greenhouse and dying and such, I received the swap back in I beleive January and they were just little pups then, they just kind of survived the rest of Winter, very little growth. I brought them outside in late February, I love my zone 8 and they took off. I am wondering what will happen this Winter...time will tell!
Darren
0
Related Discussions
Are these SDC ?
Q
Comments (2)
Those are definetly not SDC. Heights only refer to height at flowering. You will have to wait until they bloom for a real ID.
...See More
Gurney's Gran nain bananas---are they just SDC's
Q
Comments (3)
I'm waiting on a reply from their master gardener...usually the only way to tell is when it flowers...
...See More
Question about about 1st year rooted cuttings.
Q
Comments (4)
Andrew, I do not know who gave you that info, but I have never found that to be true. I have rooted literally nearly 1000 cuttings over the year and have never had an issue with them flowering the following year. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the root system would be more established the following season if you keep it growing all winter. The issue is that you will have to deal with Mites and other issues if you keep them indoors all winter under lights. Again I personally would your newly rooted plants go dormant depending on their root system, they can establish them selves next growing season. Good luck
...See More
Questions about kilns and about salt-glazed pottery
Q
Comments (1)
A library has many books on your topic.
...See More
gardenguy_
18 years ago
Thanks for replying. This area where I live sucks badly for wanting to grow stuff outside during the winter. Hell, we only get 5-5 1/2 months of desirable growing weather. Having a family and all, I just can't get up and leave. Bradenton is my choice to live, but I also would dearly miss the Steelers. In essence, I can't have my cake AND eat it too! : )

If you ever get a camera, snap some shots of that SDC!
0
gardenguy_
18 years ago
Speaking of SDC, I have posted an update with pictures on mine here in this banana forum. Here is the quick link:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/banana/msg09202859866.html
0
drichard12
18 years ago
I find them to be slow growers and feed them with 15-5-30 If you got one to flowering your doing great
0

Related Stories

Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

MOST POPULAR 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

ORGANIZING Pre-Storage Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Store

By Laura Gaskill

Wait, stop. Do you really need to keep that item you’re about to put into storage?

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

GREEN BUILDING Considering Concrete Floors? 3 Green-Minded Questions to Ask

By Melanie Loftus

Learn what’s in your concrete and about sustainability to make a healthy choice for your home and the earth

EXTERIORS Curb Appeal Feeling a Little Off? Some Questions to Consider

By Becky Harris

Color, scale, proportion, trim ... 14 things to think about if your exterior is bugging you

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

TASTEMAKERS 5 Questions From ICFF: Lindsey Adelman

By Vanessa Brunner

The inventive designer takes a break from New York's International Contemporary Furniture Fair to talk about her artistic lighting fixtures

ARCHITECTURE 10 Things to Know About Prefab Homes

By Laura Gaskill

Are prefab homes less costly, faster to build and greener than homes constructed onsite? Here are answers to those questions and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

Anyone growing Musa Coccinea

0