£2.99
Musa sikkimensis ‘Darjeeling Banana’—a truly remarkable and lesser-known banana species, recently introduced to cultivation. This extraordinary plant features an imposing pseudo-trunk that reaches up to 4.5m (14ft) in height and 45cm (18in) in diameter, adorned with shades of red. Its new leaves and leaf-midribs exhibit captivating hues of purple, and a portion of the plants even displays beautifully mottled dark red leaves. The Darjeeling Banana is remarkably cold-hardy, akin to Musa basjoo, thriving in montane forests at altitudes up to 2000m (6000ft) in the Himalayas of NE-India.
Initial outdoor trials in the US, Britain, Germany, and Switzerland have demonstrated exceptional resistance to cold and frost. As is characteristic of all bananas, this species boasts rapid growth, especially when provided with rich soil and ample water. While its fruits offer a sweetish pulp, they are firm and contain a few large seeds. This novel discovery holds tremendous promise as an ornamental addition to both temperate and cooler tropical gardens. We believe that the ‘Darjeeling Banana’ has unparalleled potential, surpassing any other cold-tolerant Musa currently in cultivation.
Approximately 8-10 Seeds
In stock
Sowing & Growing
Sow during late winter/late spring or late summer/autumn. Prior to sowing, soak the seeds for 24 hours. Soaking serves two purposes: it softens a hard seed coat and removes any chemical inhibitors that might impede germination. Use water starting off hand hot, and 24 hours is generally sufficient. If soaking for an extended period, change the water daily. Some seeds may swell during soaking. As each seed swells, promptly remove and sow it before it dries out, while gently pricking the remaining seeds with a pin and returning them to soak.
Sow the seeds in peaty compost, covering them with a 6mm (¼ in) layer of soil, as the seeds require light to germinate. Passiflora germination typically occurs in weeks, occasionally taking several months. If your indoor environment is below 20°C (68°F), providing bottom heat with an electric soil warming cable kit or a heating mat can stimulate early growth, cut germination time in half, and aid in seed germination. Cover the pot’s top with clear plastic to maintain high humidity. As tiny plants begin to sprout, gradually open the pot’s top each day to avoid shocking the new seedlings with a sudden drop in humidity.
As each seedling becomes large enough to handle, prick it out and transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on as needed. Handle these plants with care during potting, as they have delicate white roots.
| Packet Size | Approximately 8-10 Seeds |
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