Last year I managed to preserve the entire pseudostem on about 5 of the basjoos in my clump with a combination of Christmas lights, 3 bales of straw, chicken wire and a tarp. It wasn't pretty but I think it might have been worth it. When I was looking at the trees this week, I found two of the stalks had put up a "half leaf" and a flag leaf." Now it looks like the bud is coming up out of the crown. Can anyone tell me if there is anything special to do? Do you think the bananas could ripen by the end of our growing season in mid October? Will local insects pollinate? Thanks, Todd

Image link: basjoo going to bloom in OHIO (0 k)