Quote:
Originally Posted by Metro-One
I am curious, after the leafs of your Banana plants die back (i know the leafs die at temps below -2), do you protect the roots in any way during the winter, or does the ground not freeze deep enough where you are for them to die?
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I am far from the warmest part of Ontario. I use a thick straw mulch and a tarp to keep as much moisture out as possible and plant next to the foundation. Growing the banana as vigourously as possible the first year so the roots and corms grow to a good size will enhance survival through that first critical winter. Less protection will be needed in the milder portions of Ontario. A friend in a slightly colder area than here has very large well established bananas, that grow beyond the eaves of his house. This and a large Gunnera and a cacti bed with Yuccas (and potted hardy palms that are wintered in the garage) gives his house a mediteranean look. Of course, there have been overwinter palm trials too, but nothing that has amounted to much so far.