Musa nagensium Banana Seeds Cold Hardy -20 °C

🍌 Musa nagensium Banana Seeds (Cold Hardy to -20°C)

🌱 Price: Package of 3 Seeds

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🍇 The Musa nagensium banana is a striking and cold-hardy variety native to the Naga mountains of Assam, India. Known for its dark purple-red to nearly black pseudo-stem, this banana plant is as beautiful as it is resilient. The pseudo-stem is waxy and can grow up to 6 meters high. The plant produces long, blue-gray leaves that can reach up to 3 meters in length, adding to the slender appearance of the plant. Compared to other bananas, the leaves are more spaced out, giving it a unique, elegant look.

Key Features:

• Cold Hardiness: This banana variety is cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C, making it perfect for gardeners in cooler climates.

• Pseudo-Stem: The plant has a dark purple-red to almost black pseudo-stem, which is very waxy and visually stunning.

• Leaf Characteristics: The leaves have a dark red midrib and a waxy lamina that gives them a nearly white appearance on the underside.

• Inflorescence: The pendulous inflorescence consists of red-bracted flowers, each with bright orange interiors. Each flower cluster contains 18-20 flowers arranged in two rows.

• Fruit: The bananas themselves are 13–15 cm long and not recurved, with large seeds (almost 1.3 cm long and 1 cm wide).

This plant not only serves as a decorative feature but is also hardy and capable of surviving in environments that most banana varieties cannot.

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🌱 Cultivation & Propagation:

Soil Requirements:

• Rich, well-drained soil is essential for the healthy growth of Musa nagensium. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, as bananas are susceptible to waterlogged conditions.

Planting Instructions:

• Germination: Banana seeds are known for being difficult to germinate, often taking weeks or even months. However, with patience and care, you can enjoy success.

• Seed Preparation: Soak the seeds in tepid, sterilized water for two days. On the first day, add a small amount of saltpetre powder (no more than half a teaspoon per 3 liters of water) to help remove any residue from the seeds. On the second day, switch to distilled or sterilized water for soaking.

• Sowing: Once soaked, plant the seeds into sterilized compost, vermiculite, or a coir/perlite mix for better drainage. Make sure the seeds are only lightly covered.

• Ideal Temperature: Place the seeds in a heated propagator or warm airing cupboard to maintain a temperature between 30-35°C (86–95°F). This warmth will encourage the seeds to germinate.

Planting Location & Exposure:

• Choose a sunny location with plenty of direct sunlight once the seedlings are ready for transplanting.

• Suckers: Like most bananas, Musa nagensium will produce suckers. These can be removed and transplanted to propagate new plants.

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🌿 Growth & Maintenance:

• Height: Expect the plant to grow up to 6 meters tall, making it a striking addition to your garden.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Bananas need regular watering, especially during the warmer months.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Rich organic matter like compost will also provide a nutrient boost.

• Pruning: The banana plant will naturally produce suckers, which can be pruned back or transplanted to propagate new plants. Regularly remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain a healthy growth habit.

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🍌 Pests & Diseases:

Musa nagensium is susceptible to banana root rot and pests such as aphids and mealybugs. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of fungal infections. If pests are detected, treat with an organic insecticidal soap to keep the plant healthy.

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🍃 Uses & Enjoyment:

This banana plant serves not only as an ornamental feature but also provides fruit for those in warmer climates. While Musa nagensium is typically decorative due to its stunning appearance and cold-hardiness, it may produce small, edible bananas that are highly valued in tropical gardens.

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🌿 Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 6 meters (20 feet)

• Hardiness: -20°C (-4°F)

• Exposure: Full sun

• Soil: Rich, well-drained

• Germination Time: Weeks to months

• Flowering: Orange-bracted inflorescence

• Propagation: Seed, suckers