How Do You Overwinter Hardy Bananas (Basjoo)?

Hardy bananas, also known as 'Basjoo' bananas, are relatively easy to overwinter in Ohio. To prepare your plants, wait until a hard freeze turns the foliage brown. Once the leaves have browned, prune the plants down to about 6 inches above the ground. After the ground has frozen, typically around Thanksgiving, pile mulch over the stems, using one to two bags per plant. Hardwood mulch is an excellent choice for this purpose, as it will help protect the plants during the winter. In spring, once the threat of a hard freeze has passed, remove the mulch to allow the plants to grow again.

Another method some people use to overwinter 'Basjoo' bananas involves creating a tall tube with chicken wire, approximately 3 feet high. Place this over the cut stems and fill it with dead leaves. In spring, you can remove the chicken wire once the danger of a hard freeze has passed. Be sure to anchor the chicken wire with stakes to prevent it from falling over in the wind.

Both methods are effective. In the photo to the left, you can see our 'Basjoo' bananas. These plants were planted at least 15 years ago and have formed clumps. In spring, when the clumps have grown large enough—usually every 3 to 5 years—you can divide them.