Gunnera, Musa basjoo, Tetrapanax & 'Tibet' Banana Plant Update & Spring Care Tips

[@missdimples1982]

The little tents are like a spa hotel for bug's over winter 🐛

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, they are indeed! Loads of little bugs chilling out and cleaning the garden up for me!

[@mikemillson9572]

Hey George! Love your channel. I have a "tropical" garden in west Tennessee in the USA. Keep up the great work you are doing....it only gets better as we all age.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Mike and thank you very much! Great to hear you're into the tropical style garden thing too, I imagine you've got more summer heat than us to get some bigger leaves and large growth over the season! Cheers, I will keep trying my best and I look forward to the garden developing and evolving over time - I'm pleased I started this garden when I did. Thanks for your kind words and all the best with your garden plans and plants this year!

[@Gina0151]

Just unveiled my young Musa Basjoo and it’s completely green! Spurred on by your video I bravely ventured out excitedly into the mud and rain, suitably dressed in fluffy bathrobe and slippers to unwrap my Musa Basjoo with baited breath. I’m amazed it still had all last years leaves on it green that I wrapped down the trunk. Chopped them off now and just left straw around base of pups. Really happy it did so well! 🤞🙏😎

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, well done on the successful and overwintering and fair play for braving this weather in a bathrobe and slippers, that’s dedication 😂 It’s certainly been a better winter for basjoo this time around, just keep the fleece handy in case the weather turns. Hopefully it continues to be mild though!

[@SamsPlaceST]

Thanks so much. Very helpful, great video. Have a lovely weekend.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ahh thanks, it's lovely to get good feedback and know my videos are helpful. It's been a good one thanks and I hope you enjoy the rest of yours!

[@PeterEntwistle]

All your bananas and gunnera plants have done incredibly well this year, George! I also uncovered my Musa basjoo last week (it's 3rd winter in the ground) and it is looking great, with no loss of height and already pushing new growth through 🙌. Without a doubt my favourite plant in my garden!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Peter, I'm genuinely really pleased to see they have (especially considering how little effort I put into protecting them!). Great to hear your basjoo is also doing well. Yes, they can look scrappy until they get going but once you see a mature clump in summer there's no doubting the impact and them being one of the most unlikely and impressive tropical style plants that can survive outside here. Hopefully it's a good growing year for them!

[@staffordshireShane]

A great time of year, i removed the straw and fleece from mine yesterday in North Staffordshire . Like yours the musa and gunnera are growing away nicely but sadley all my unprotected tetrapanax got cut back to ground again with winter lows of -10C . Not all gloom though because iv already got T rex pups breaking the soil surface a good 6 weeks earlier than last year which has put a big smile on my face 😃 hopefully be looking like tetrapanax by july i was amazed how quickly they recovered last year they got back up to 8 feet in 5 months. I was cutting back all the old fronds on my ground ferns as they are all starting to grow early this year . Pleased we are back into the youtube gardening season . Look forward to seeing more spring gardening videos soon George .

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed Shane, one of my favourite times too - the seasons of change are more my thing than when it's either muggy in summer or continually bitter and raining in winter! It's crazy you've had -10C again, you certainly have it rough don't you. Great to know your Tetrapanax have started early! Last spring wasn't too bad was it, frosts pretty much out of the way in April - so hopefully a repeat of that combined with the early start this year will see a lot of this big leaves really shoot up. Hopefully so! I enjoy sharing vids all the way though the year but it's certainly more fulfilling to create and watch videos about plants when they're actually growing and not just surviving (if you're lucky!). Cheers and more vids on the way soon!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

Run George, run!! The Gunneras are early, and impatient to fight! Thank you for the review! Can't wait to see more of your adventures on screen... See you Georges.🙋‍♂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes Bernard, they have well and truly started on their mission for garden domination! I suspect their eventual size this year will depend on how much rain we get but at least the crazy growth will be a silver lining if we have another wet summer like last year. Take care and see you soon!

[@milkweeddreams8828]

WOW, well that oughta make ya smile, mostly...it's been in the 80's here in N Florida with heavy rains which have really made the tree ferns explode with size and finally new banana rolls are starting to get some size and unfurl...lots of peach blossoms and the scent of orange, lime and lemon blossoms fill the air, this was a long winter for us...can't wait to see the size your leaves will unfurl this spring, they are simply amazing...enjoy that t-shirt weather...!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, those temperatures and with heavy rain really is the perfect environment for growth isn't it! It sounds you've got an absolute paradise growing away and I bet the scent of those blossoms really is incredible. Yes, it's felt like a long winter here too and not quite T-shirt weather again today but we're heading in the right direction with a few days hitting the low 60s here later this week. I'm looking forward to it! Thanks and all the best with your spring gardening plans and projects!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

Hey George Some important points to raise if I may 1. Your first Gunnera reminds me of Alien from Alien film with it's two dinky hands sticking out. Frightening to unseasoned guests to the garden. 2. Your 80s synth music in the interludes (removing winter protection) shows a real appreciation of the genre. More of this pure fromage in the next video please. As always, great to see the updates👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Mr Calzone, your astute cinematic and cultural feedback are welcome and appreciate as always. The Gunnera are definitely alien-like, and the grasping 'hands' on the first one are certainly a curiosity! Luckily the only threat they pose is to my free space and safe passage up the garden but they're certainly a freaky and bizarre sight. As for the music, I didn't have a lot of time to edit this video so dipped into my catalogue of tracks saved for future garden tours and fire pit frivolities which happens to have a good selection of 80s beats amongst an eclectic blend of other genres. I was planning to feature progressively more comedic music as I went through but that track offered an upbeat retro consistency to the proceedings so it stayed. I'm sure more tracks of that nature will make an appearance sooner or later but you can be reassured (or worried) that no genre is off limits...

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden 🤣🤣. Reassuring to know

[@TheFloorface]

thanks for the update. my gunnera has been trying to put out leaves for the last couple of weeks and i was worried if it was to early. obviously its irreplaceable now and as i only managed to get one for the first time last year i really really didnt want to lose it.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and no problem, I'm pleased you enjoyed it and it sounds like your Gunnera is similar to mine. They do start earlier than a lot of other exotics and you'd be very unlucky to lose it now. Just keep some fleece handy to drape a couple of layers over if there's any frosts forecast and you'll be just fine.

[@taza98]

Those archways are beautiful...entrances to secret gardens. We are just starting to lay our base shrubs etc in our garden in Tabaek Ngam in Nakhon Sawan but it is so dry here 😢

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and yes, I do love how restricting a view or passage helps create mystery and a real garden adventure. Sorry to hear the conditions are challenging for you, hopefully things improve soon. I guess even drought-resistant plants will need some watering in at first to help them establish but that can be hard work when there’s so little rain. Good luck with it all!

[@palmlifeuk3553]

Musa basjoo now unwrapped. South of England has had hardly any real frost. I used scaffold pole protection foam to cover the small steams and just fleeced the bigger ones. My Washingtonia Robusta palm I didn't even protect this year

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, it's certainly been a mild winter for you then! If it wasn't for that one cold snap it would have been very mild here too - obviously location means everything though and whilst I've got away with the basjoo, a Washingtonia wouldn't have enjoyed the freeze. I hope it continues to grow well for you!

[@iwonaczapla2406]

I always put a plastic cover over the fleece so it won’t soak up all the moisture and my bananas are looking healthy ( firm) and no signs of any rot when unwrapped.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That can be a good idea - certainly over the tops of any enclosures or fleece. Plastic can keep out rain but also keep in humidity from the soil but I chanced using the slightly thicker and still quite water-repellent fleece bags over the top of my fleece wraps. Bananas do handle being wrapped and humidity better than palms etc. though don't they. I'm pleased yours have made it through well!

[@user-nu1hz1mt7s]

spring !!its like xmas morning george lol and unwrapping the tropicals is like opening your bestest presesnt !! lets hope and pray we get a better summer than last years washout !! all the best george keep up the top drawer tropical vids ..all the best..Julian

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha Julian it is indeed! It might have been a bit of a miserable vid if they'd all turned to mush but it's always good to be pleasantly surprised! Yes, hopefully so - a bit of a balance of sun, warmth and occasional rain would suit me and the garden just perfectly. Thanks, I'll keep trying my best and have loads planned for this year. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

[@marianne9798]

Nice. Those Gunneras will be amazing this year. I have one to plant as my last one didn't grow (maybe the deer ate it)! Nice to see you and Remi, he makes me laugh! 😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and hopefully so! Good luck with yours and hopefully the deer stay away 🤞 Haha yes, Remi is a funny one. A bit pesky nibbling the Gunnera and Tibet roots but I’m pleased it provided entertainment 😂

[@wesleyhackney]

I just unwrapped my bananas with great success here in Florida panhandle. I have a few Musas that are over 10’ tall now . I’ve got to try out growing Gunnera I got a great open spot for a couple

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, great work. They certainly take on a whole new level of impact when they're that height don't they! I hope you manage to get hold of some - I'd imagine if they can cope with your summer heat they'll grow incredibly well for you. Good luck with all of your spring garden plans!

[@VanGorogh]

Right video at the right time :) good stuff George! 🙌

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha thanks, just sharing what I’m doing but pleased to be of service! 😃

[@user-rk1uz4ur4m]

Looks great as always George, i hope we have aburning hot summer! Cheers mate

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Hopefully not as burning hot as 2022 but I'd certainly love more sun than last year! A bit of balance with plenty of warmth would be great for us and our gardens, fingers crossed...

[@Kalugapalms]

Молодец! Красивый сад!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Большое спасибо, бороться с холодом стоит того, и я уверен, вы это знаете. Желаем удачи в планировании вашего сада!

[@janinewoodbridge3814]

Exciting times

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Exciting indeed Janine, it feels like it’s been a long winter so some spring sun will be very welcome 😃

[@markchitty6505]

I keeo my Musa in a very large pot, in the shed over winter and pop it out on suuny days until mid April... still no sign of my Gingers I left in the ground yet... great Vid George :)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Mark and nice one, that sounds like a great idea to keep the pseudostem height on a potted basjoo. It’s likely too early for the gingers as they generally need more heat to get growing but hopefully not too long to wait now!

[@Tminus89]

A rough haired Dachshund is usually the most feisty of the 3 hair types, I know more than one who love to hunt and dig. But like with every breed, every dog is an individual so it will always vary :) We have a Husky in town that never runs away and can chill in the front garden with a low fence, which is pretty rare haha. A lot of them like to go on adventures on their own

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I never knew that, thanks for the info! Ours are generally ok but I have to be wary when we’re out because if either of them saw a rabbit they’d be off! That sounds like a very well behaved husky for sure, I certainly wouldn’t trust ours out there - they’d certainly be off on adventures 😂

[@Tminus89]

@@GeorgesJungleGardenOurs? You guys also have a Husky? Do show us in a future video please! Or did you mean Remi?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Oh no, sorry, I meant our two miniature Dachshunds - young (half miniature) Remi and little Max! All the personality and confidence of a bigger dog without the obedience!

[@davidmackie7473]

T shirt weather ??? Maybe in the tropical south where you are mate but up here in Edinburgh it was b.owing a gale today and its still cold 🥶 So be a wee while yet before we can follow your unwrapping ideas ... but cheers for the encouragement. 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I was in my T-shirt for a lot of Friday and Saturday - mainly when I was working hard though! I definitely seem to run hotter than most and have a very low threshold for T-shirt weather but we're not quite there yet haha. As I hinted in the video though, if I were you I'd certainly wait a while before unwrapping your plants or yourself - maybe around late July up in Edinburgh...?!

[@davidmackie7473]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden 😁

[@mrchuffy6535]

Cracking content, practical informative and showing us exactly what is happening good stuff!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Trying to show more of the seasonal moments going forwards and for me, this is the moment my tropical style planting really gets going. I hope you’re not getting dragged into working outside and hard labour today 😂

[@mrchuffy6535]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Much much worse, someone has bought a puppy! Looking forward to getting the bananas unwrapped myself maybe next week if all stays good!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Oh, congratulations (and good luck)! What sort? It looks mild again later this week but we'll see how the forecast pans out. Just a taste of spring weather would be appreciated for now though! Good luck with the garden dog-proofing...

[@mrchuffy6535]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden golden retriever, we always had them although this one is special kind of trouble so far!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fantastic, I'm sure you'll be getting love and mischief in (nearly) equal measure!

[@joezimmerman1089]

Would love a video on Musa Tibet, to be honest, I'd never heard of it

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I’ll see what I can do when I’ve had some more time with mine as it’s a relatively new plant to me and I’d rather base any info off experience rather than just research. It’s apparently called Musa yunnanensis var. yongpingense now - a catchy name I’m sure you’ll agree!

[@stevebacon1026]

Its getting nearer to summer every second! Ive just undressed my gunnies, their looking like yours. Not uncovering me mr bajeos until late march . Me tree ferns have had a haircut , but are still top end wrapped until end of march as well. Gonna plant me fatsia spider webb this week. Take care mate . 👍Steve

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hey Steve, see, more softer leaves to balance out the spikes! It's certainly getting closer and I'm really looking forwards to spring this year and seeing everything come to life over the next few months. Usually I'd leave the basjoos for a few more weeks but I thought I'd chance it this year - plus you have to do something earlier than other people to make a vid about it! I'm leaving fleece in the crowns of my tree ferns for a while yet too but the trunks will be appreciating the rain today. It's a good time to plant out Fatsias and tougher exotics now, the temperatures look like they're getting milder and the soil is damp so a great time to settle in. You too Steve, I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

[@henrywaterhouse6291]

The tibet is doing great! Itll be massive this year. Ill have to have a look at mine, see how they fairede.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Henry, yes, it’s done very well - a great surprise to see it’s not lost any height and I’m excited to see what it will do this year. Hopefully you have equally encouraging results with your yours!

[@howietheartist]

is the Tibet the same as a Helen Banana???@@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Howie, it's a different plant and I believe the 'proper' name and classification for 'Tibet' is Musa yunnanensis var. yongpingense (going off a bit of Googling). Helen's Banana is a hybrid involving sikkimensis so a separate plant but like many of these recent introductions there may well be naming changes going forwards.

[@howietheartist]

Cheers George, My Helen(not the wife} survived the winter in my unheated shed, outside now & putting on growth here in the New Forest, Cheers Howie, keep up the videos mate, class.... @@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Howie and I appreciate the clarification there haha! It's encouraging to hear your Helen has come through winter with minimal effort - I certainly think there'll be more banana varieties experimented with and proving suitable for our UK gardens over the coming years and those which can be grown without heating etc. are especially valuable. Hopefully it grows away well for you this year! Thanks, I appreciate it and I've got loads more planned for this year which I hope you enjoy.

[@PaulConnor100]

George your going to have a Gunnera arch shortly ,nice to see the new growth coming. I have noticed quite a bit of yellowing on my Trachycarpus leaves any ideas 🤔

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes Paul, they're definitely heading that way! The upwards growth isn't a problem, it's the horizontal real estate they take up which is becoming an issue. I'm letting them grow away this year and if they do happen to get too big again then I'll try to encourage them to grow more upwards next year. As for your Trachycarpus, yellowing leaves can be normal for the older leaves especially at this time of year when the soil is generally too cold for good nutrient uptake. If it continues into late spring / early summer or is widespread across the newer leaves too then it could be an indication that the plant is in waterlogged soil or has some nutrient or mineral deficiency which a good palm fertiliser could help with. I wouldn't worry too much at this stage though and I'm sure they'll green up with some spring sun.

[@PaulConnor100]

@GeorgesJungleGarden Thanks mate I have palm focus and seaweed but haven't been feeding them as I thought it might be to early ? and frosty temps have been quite frequent. I have the Trachy's 7" slightly raised bed

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Paul, those should help out but yes, you're completely right and I'd only feed from warm weather in April through to August anyway. It's perfectly normal to have some yellowing at this time of the year, particularly on the older leaves and as your drainage is unlikely to be an issue with the raised bed I'd put it down to being a seasonal issue or natural fading of the older growth.

[@tonycastro9997]

Hi George and first of all thanks for the video and update on plants. I live down in Surrey and have two Musa Sikkimensis which are around six to seven feet tall I have enclosed them in chicken wire cage filled with straw then put a plastic pot on the top and wrap them with fleece. I know this might seem a bit drastic but in the past have found them cut to ground once winter is over. Although I do find them as hardy as Basjoo, I am thinking to just uncover the growth part at the moment and leaving the rest wrapped til perhaps end of the month. what’s your thoughts on this as I appreciate your help and always look forward to your videos and comments.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Tony and thanks. I don't think your wrapping of Sikkimensis was drastic and it's what I'd do if I was growing them in this garden. Last winter they proved to be very tough around here - Janet over at Dirt Cheap Plants said she had hers come through fine when I filmed there and Yorkshire Kris had good results with his but I think on the whole Musa basjoo is generally believed to be more reliable in our winters. Your plan sounds good and as I mentioned in the vid, if you've gone to the effort of properly protecting it, I wouldn't rush to uncover as there may be a colder ending to March or start to April which won't be forecast for a while yet. The only thing I'd be a little bit concerned about is letting a lot of rain in and soaking the straw so you might be best off waiting a couple of weeks and see what the long term forecast is then before deciding to leave it on as it is for a while or completely remove. In all honesty though, I'd imagine that unless there's some exceptional late cold forecast, they should come through just fine whatever you decide.

[@tonycastro9997]

Hi George thank you for your reply. I think it’s better to be safe as you said the weather is very changeable at the moment an could be another Beast from the East around the corner for all we know. The fleece and plastic pot is protecting the straw and trunk wrapped so no rain can get in but moisture from trunk can get out. I’ll leave it like that and have occasional look when we start seeing a bit of sun. Look forward to your next video. Have a small Brehea Armata which I need to pot on so will be interested when you get round to talking about palms. Thanks again. Have a great week. @@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true, it would be a typical UK weather pattern to have Atlantic mild mess all winter then shift over to cold right as we should be having spring! I think that's the best plan. Thanks. I'd probably pot the Brahea up April time but be careful with the roots when you're doing it as they don't like root disturbance. Thanks and I hope you have a great week too!

[@davegilman6046]

Looking good George - my basjoos didn't get any wrapping this winter and all have survived well. Looking forward to watching them take off in the next month or two. Where did you source the Musa Tibet? A new one for me although I have heard of Musa yunnanensis - is the subspecies (var yongpingense) definitely included in the definition? I can only see it listed on a few websites like the Kew database.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Dave and I'm pleased to hear about your banana success. A lovely sunny spring would soon get them bursting into life wouldn't it! I did do a bit of Googling after uploading this vid and I believe the currently correct name for 'Tibet' is Musa yunnanensis var. yongpingense but I wouldn't claim to be an expert on the classification or exact ID of this particular plant. It was a kind gift from a fellow gardener (who has an incredibly impressive range of plants and planting areas) so unfortunately not one I can recommend a current supplier for. The overwintering results have been very encouraging though!

[@user-gr2hh3hi5g]

Just doing my fence black , it’s looking so good against the green , time to get your paintbrush out 😂😂😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great isn’t it! It’s what I’ll be doing here when my neighbour replaces the panels behind my Trachycarpus row. It might take a while though, I can’t say I’m looking forward to it 😂

[@howietheartist]

get a wagner sprayer from argos or B& Q ten panels in 20 mins @@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for the recommendation and I'd pretty much have to spray here as I'll have 60 or so panels to do, even if it takes a couple of coats to get a good covering. I'd rather wait for now as the panels behind my main jungle clearing area (owned by my neighbour are rotting a bit at the base so painting seems to be a bit of a waste) and both those and some closer to the house have trellis on top so will require some effort / masking to avoid painting half the trellis black! I'm sure it'll look great when it's eventually done, I might have to make a start with one area this spring to see the results!

[@fraserdavidson2366]

Exciting time George. Good to see your plants have done well over winter. Looking forward now for that weather to pick up for some heat. Quick question if you Don't mind George. When you you separate pups from your T Rex. I have one in a pot that put out about 20 pups last year and have survived the winter. Should I divide now or wait for warmer weather? Oh and I kind of like the music 😉

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Fraser, it is indeed and yes, I'm very pleased with them too. Some spring sun would be very welcome! No worries, I think I'd wait another month for the soil to warm up a bit and do it then before things get too warm and dry (yes, a long way off I know!). As for the music, yeah, it's a track I was saving for something else so not completely terrible haha. I was planning to get steadily more ridiculous with the music but in the end kept things a little bit more sensible, this time at least...

[@fraserdavidson2366]

@GeorgesJungleGarden Many Thanks George. I will wait as you say. Looking forward to your next video and whatever music is on the playlist. Haha Thanks once again for the great advice.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No worries! Haha yes, we'll see thanks!

[@user-mx7sg6dc1l]

Thanks for the video. Glad I saw it as quickly went outside to take winter protection off my Gunnera and new growth already bursting through and a bit of rot on one of new leaves as probably left protection on too long. Question is I have it in a large pot. If I want to put it in the ground when would be the best time? Many thanks. Jonathan

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Jonathan and no problem, I'm pleased it helped. I wouldn't worry about a bit of damage, the leaves will soon grow away and you probably won't notice it. Personally I'd wait maybe until the end of March or early April before getting it into the ground, just so the ground isn't quite as cold and wet which could shock the plant with it being pot grown. In all honesty though, it should be fine any time from now.

[@user-mx7sg6dc1l]

Many thanks for your help. @@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

No problem, happy to help and good luck with it!

[@Valleyoftheyuccas]

17:33 Hey George. What is the Euphorbia in the back ground, is that melifera or x pastuerii ‘John Phillips’?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, that’s a ‘Phrampton Phatty’ a low growing hybrid from Pan Global Plants that’s reverted to a taller plant given its semi-shaded position. It’s one I might get cuttings from a grow in a more appropriate spot next time 😊

[@palmsexoticsuk2194]

Great video, George. Slightly odd question but what do you use to cut your muss basjoo back to something firm? I’ve yet to find a tool that works well!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks and that’s a good question! Anything with two blades just mushes them so I generally use a penknife with a sharp but thin blade 😊

[@truth-hurts3089]

Garden is looking ace George. I saw gunnera seeds for sale on a well known website other day. Seems bonkers.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, it’s not in a bad place for early March - hopefully onwards and upwards from here! Haha yes, that doesn’t surprise me, things move slowly in a lot of horticulture 😂

[@DJSupaflyguy]

👌👌👌👌

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you my friend, I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend 😊

[@matthewallegretto6702]

Where can I purchase a Gunnera plant? I live in Ohio in the United States of America.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, unfortunately I don't have any sales contacts for the USA but if I come across any, I'll come back to this comment and let you know. I've had a few viewers from your part of the world ask the same thing. You'd have thought they'd be more available to you than me wouldn't you given the proximity of their habitat!

[@andrearevill6679]

Hi George ,have you ever tried growing musa velutina.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I haven’t personally but it’s one I’ve encouraged Mark to give a go in his greenhouse. When I get a proper greenhouse setup here it’s one of many plants I’d love to grow from seed and apparently they’re not too difficult 👍

[@andrearevill6679]

OK thanks

[@andrearevill6679]

Would you say that it would need overwintering indoors ,or wrapping in straw ect . Different opinions when I've googled lol.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, sorry I don't have any direct experience and I see what you mean - there are some conflicting reports. Personally, I imagine they're an overwintering indoors kind of plant that might technically be able to survive colder temps at the roots but I'd stick to indoors for a stronger plant. Maybe grow a few from seed and experiment?

[@39chevy44]

I checked on my Musa Basjoo a couple of weeks ago, as I keep them in large pots in the shed, and found they they have started to grow, and if your taking a chance uncovering yours, I will start to get mine ready for another year outside. Thanks for another great dose gardening info. Thanks Paul

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Paul and thanks. The temperatures definitely look good to bring them out for some fresh air later in the week so if they're easy to drag out it wouldn't be a bad time. If they're really heavy though, I'd probably hold off until later in the month when the forecast will give more indication as to whether it's time to bring them out permanently. A few more weeks inside won't hurt them and you're not missing out on any growth at this time of year. Thanks for watching and good luck with all of your spring garden plans!