Musa Basjoo Cold Hardy Banana Growing Guide
Musa Basjoo is the go-to banana for anyone in a cold climate. This dedicated guide covers everything specific to growing Basjoo successfully in zones 4 through 8.
Why Basjoo
No other banana comes close to Basjoo's cold hardiness. The rhizome routinely survives -10°F and has been reported to survive even colder temperatures with heavy mulching. While it doesn't produce edible fruit, it grows fast enough to reach 12-18 feet in a single season, creating an instant tropical atmosphere wherever it is planted.
Planting
Plant in spring after the last frost in the warmest, most sheltered spot available. A south-facing wall is ideal — it provides reflected heat and wind protection. Amend the soil with plenty of compost (see Soil and pH) and plant the rhizome or pup 2-3 inches deep.
Summer Care
Once Basjoo starts growing, it grows fast. Feed heavily with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2-3 weeks (see Fertilizing). Water abundantly — daily in hot weather if soil drains well (see Watering). Mulch deeply. The goal is to push as much growth as possible during the warm months.
Fall Preparation and Overwintering
After the first hard frost blackens the leaves:
- Cut the pseudostem down to 12-24 inches above ground
- In zones 7-8: Wrap the stump in burlap, fill with dry leaves or straw, cover with tarp. Pile 12-18 inches of mulch over the root zone.
- In zones 4-6: More aggressive insulation needed. Pile 18-24 inches or more of mulch over the cut stump. An inverted trash can over the stump before mulching provides extra protection.
Full overwintering details at Overwintering Guide.
Spring Emergence
Remove insulation gradually as temperatures warm above 40°F consistently. New growth will emerge from the rhizome. In zones where the pseudostem survived partially, growth has a head start and can exceed 18 feet.
Managing Spread
Basjoo is a prolific pup producer and will spread aggressively if not managed. Install a root barrier (18 inches deep) around the planting if you want to contain it. Alternatively, remove unwanted pups regularly and share them with friends.