when do you plant bananna trees in ky and when do you bring them in or do you? what kind of soil is best?

Question

i was givin a bananna tree and don't know for sure how to care for it. the temp in ky is really hot in the summer and real cold in the winter as is most places but i am not sure how to care for the tree that it doesn't die

Answer 1

Depending on which species you have, you can bring it outdoors after all danger of frost in your area...and when night time temps won't drop below 45 degrees...

You may be interested to know that there IS a species of bannana that will over winter as far north as zone 5(that's where I am) it's called Musa basjoo(it's kinda fun t' say too) since most of KY is in zone 6, it might be worth the search...try a "high" end nursery...the only grower I know that sells it is Monrovia...try their web site...

In either case you'll want to position your plant in a shelterd area; the leaves tear very easilly, and while this does no harm to the plant it makes the plant look a bit ragged...

As for bringing it in for the winter...at least 2 weeks before the projected first hard frost in your zone...you might also want to consider applying a "systemic" insecticide(you don't wanna bring in any outside "critters"...

Happy planting

Answer 2

Since temperature is basically the same as Indiana if you are in the northern part it is safe to put outdoors a week after the last frost date. Garden soil with a little sand is best. miracle grow every 2 weeks. Water when soil is dry about 4 inches down, it takes more water if hot and windy. Bring inside the last week in September. If you keep it in a giant pot it is easier than digging up to repot.

Answer 3

It is more trouble than it is worth.
These are tropical.
Keep it in a container.
It will die during a freeze and grows rapidly.

They grow like weeds here in TX and we hate them!