There are now hardy banana plants for the garden on the market. They tolerate cold temperatures down to -10 °C. But by no means every variety is frost hardy, so you should inquire about it when you buy it.

Banana plants are hardly hardy in most cases

How would a banana plant like to overwinter?

Banana trees from tropical areas do not need any special winter quarters, they are usually kept as "normal" houseplants and can remain in the living room all year round. Banana plants can also spend the summer outside if it is warm enough there. For this, the perennials should be slowly accustomed to the sun and fresh air.

All other banana trees like to spend the hibernation in a cool and bright winter quarters. There they continue to be watered and fertilized, albeit a little less than in the summer months. Sufficient humidity is also important. It should be around 50 percent. Warm, dry heating air easily leads to an infestation with spider mites or other pests.

What is the hibernation for?

The so-called hibernation is used for green plants to recover, which are then kept a little cooler than during the rest of the year. Above all, plants that consume a lot / particularly need nutrients benefit from this break. They then sprout all the more vigorously in the spring. Banana plants also belong in this category. If they miss the winter break, the perennials will become limp more quickly and let their leaves droop.

How do I overwinter a banana plant in the garden?

Before wintering in the garden, you should make sure that you actually have a hardy perennial. Good antifreeze is essential in a harsh area. Protect the root area with a thick layer of leaves and twigs, above-ground parts of the plant with a straw mat only if necessary. But then make sure that the plant still gets enough air.

Since the banana plant grows very large, it needs water and nutrients even in winter. That's why you should water the plant regularly in winter, too, so that it doesn't die of thirst. However, only frost-free days are suitable for this, otherwise the irrigation water freezes faster than the plant can absorb it. If your banana plant dies during a longer period of frost, it does not necessarily have to be frozen.

The essentials in brief:

  • usually not hardy
  • tropical perennials overwinter warm
  • all other banana plants overwinter cool
  • frost hardy varieties tolerate up to approx. - 10 °C
  • Water and fertilize even in winter
  • thoroughly inspect for pests
  • ensure that the humidity is sufficiently high
  • Avoid drafts and heating air that is too warm

tips

If you are in doubt about the winter hardiness of your banana plant, it is better to rely on a frost-free winter. Then the plant can be up to six years old.

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