Merry Christmas-Early Winter -No Apocolypse Edition!

Bananas roasting on an open fire.....

Wow--Its been a great year for Bananas.-- We are certainly in the final days of the 2012 season.  We first saw traces of green back in March...that was a long time ago.  The plants are looking shaggy--like a boy after a long summer at the beach--sun-bleached unkempt hair and all.  Big plants, many leaves, lots of flowers and fruit....Man what a year!

I mentioned--back in May, that I thought that this would be the best season for bananas EVER in the LowCountry.  Last month, USA TODAY, reported that the weather-on average- was warmer than normal for the past 16 months.  October broke the streak.  Read the story here: click this link!

 

This and That about fruit--Banana fruits that are 2-3 months old will often times ripen and become edible.  If we have to cut some before they have plumped and start to yellow, allow them to hang for a few weeks inside and its likey you will be able to eat them!  For those with fruits already, remember that the ripe bananas flavor changes dramatically every few days.  Often times we make the mistake of eating homegrown bananas too soon.  Later we find out that as the skin thins and darkens, the flavor is the best.  Be patient. 

Frost Alert--While we don't really know when the first killer frost will be the historical record indicates that it will be in the next 30 days or so.  There is not much that you can do for the leaves.  However, if light frosts are indicated in your area--it is possible protect the fruits with a burlap bag or some type of fabric wrapped around them.  If the frost is certain--go ahead and cut the fruit from the plant.  Now is the time to be especially vigilant. 

 The Mayan calendar ended the other day.  We did not.  With 2013 around the corner, we, as banana growers, cannot help but speculate on the remaining winter weather.  Will we repeat the bounty of 2012, spurred by an early growing season or will we return to a nasty 2011-like winter with multiple sub freezing days?  I don't know... I cannot help but speculate that out tropical plants are in very good shape heading into the remainder of winter.  Thick trunks can really protect the delicate center core longer against the cold.  Remember--there is no rush to cut your plants.  When you do cut them--cut them high on the stem. 

 

Whats Santa Clause bringing you??

 

The How's it Hanging Section

 From Daniel Island

Winter Fox and his West Ashley Ice Creams

Dwarf Namwahs from Simply Bananas on James Island

Downtown Bananas...in 1972!

 See you in 2013----Stay Warm!!!

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