I purchased one on E bay as well as some seeds, so in a month or 2 I will have some for trade.

I agree that soaking them can help; I've had decent luck (never 100% germination, though) planting them in small pots which are then enclosed in a ziplock bag to maintain moisture. Bottom heat helps, too - placing the bag on top of a refrigerator or setting it up on the end of a fluorescent aquarium strip light (being careful not to cover the vents on the fixture) can provide a little extra warmth to kick the seed into growth. BTW - in a testament to global warming, I discovered the other day that one of the Ensete ventricosum plants I had left in the ground all winter (it was too big to bring in, so I'd started a new one for this year) survived the winter and is growing again, having received no mulch or protection of any kind. I'm used to hardiness in Musa basjoo, M. velutina, and Musella lasiocarpa, but this was kind of a cool surprise - of course, it also messes up the plans I had to replant that space with something different this year!

I am interested in either or both of your bananas, Check by list, Paul

I start these in Feb. every year. I first boil water then soak the seeds in this for two days. After that I plant 1 in. deep in a good potting soil and water well. Set on heat pad at 80-85 degrees till they sprout. Grow under lights and re-pot as needed until ready to plant outside. Don't feed until they get their first leaf and then feed with 1/4 strength 20-20-20 fertilizer.