Cool Observations! I'm Gonna have to try one of those Sikkimensis...

WeatherGuy

M. sikkimensis should be good as exotic ornamentals, the fruits are not palatable.

There's a researcher in Ohio who is trying Musa V(something) Pink Velvet. He claims that it survives -6 with minimal protection and it flowers and fruits each year.

The fruit are claimed to be somewhat edible, but filled with buckshot sized seed.

I personally have no experience, just thought it was intersting.

~Chills

That would be M. Velutina. I've not heard that it was that cold-hardy with a zone rating of 9A-11.

Velutina is grown here in zone7. I believe it comes back with no protection. (I have not grown it yet)

Thanks very much for the cold info, JoeReal.

seahorse

I spoke to him, via email, and he says that Velutina has survived 0 degrees with little damage, but that may be the extent of its hardiness as this last winter his outdoor one died (-14 F) even with protection.

He says that it is easy enough to winter indoors in case your outdooe one doesn't make it.

~Chills

Musa sikkimensis does well here in Z8 Norway, but they grow slowly compared to Musa. Basjoo, atleast as a young plant. I believe M. Sikkimensis needs some warmer weather to really take off than m. basjoo.

I have had the exact oppostite experience with M.basjoo, and M.sikkimensis. My M.sikkimensis seems to put out growth at the coolest times(slows in full heat), and M.basjoo wakes up when it starts to get warmer.
These differences must be from the widespread origins of M.sikkimensis(BTW the M.sikkimensis I am talking about is a tissued cultered one here in the states, probally from Agri-starts originally) Maybe my new seedlings will prefer some heat!

Hi JoeReal,

Where abouts in CA do you live. I'm native to norhtern CA and was curious to know if you have any luck with williams or texas star blooming?

I've got the Williams bloom at perfect time this late spring, so it is going to have mature properly filled banana fruits this October.

Texas star actually bloomed first, but I am beginning to think that what I got is not Texas Star but a lousy ornamental banana from the looks of the fruits.

My California Gold is now starting to open up its bloom, I think it is late, but I hope it would catch up. With all the heat wave we're having, and a record hottest July to boot, the blooms and growth are delayed on the Ca Gold. I hope it will make it to have harvestable fruits.

seedling from Helen's Hybrid

It's supposed to be a cross of sikkimensis with another edible banana, chini champa