Banana trees
Debbie Asked
How far back do we need to cut back banana trees?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Debbie: It’s that time of year again and we need to prepare the garden for winter. Bananas are a fun plant to grow; do you know which variety you are growing? Some are more cold hardy than others. If it is a hardy variety and will survive our winters in Kentucky, the entire plant should be cut back to just a few inches above the soil level. The foliage will die back after the first frost. Protecting the rhizome and roots is the goal during the winter months. A generous mulching is a good idea to help insulate during the cold weather. Next spring, after the danger of frost has passed the mulch should be spread out. If the banana is not cold hardy, the entire plant will need to be dug and stored in a frost free space. I hope this is helpful.
