What temperature should I store my ensete banana at?

Ensete bananas should be stored at 10c. Any higher and they will start to grow. They cannot withstand sub zero temperatures, even when dormant.

How to Store Ensete Bananas Over Winter in the UK

Ensete bananas, like Ensete ventricosum cultivars such as the striking ‘Maurelii’, are a showstopper in tropical-style gardens. However, they are frost-sensitive and require careful overwintering in the UK to ensure survival. Sulphur powder is a particularly useful addition to your overwintering routine, helping to prevent rot and disease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to storing Ensete bananas effectively.

Preparation Before Storage

1. Timing:
   Wait until the first frost blackens the leaves or when temperatures consistently drop below 10°C (50°F). This signals the plant’s dormancy period.
2. Lifting the Plant:

• Dig up the Ensete carefully, ensuring the corm remains intact and undamaged.
• Shake off excess soil or rinse the roots lightly to remove pests or debris.

1. Trimming:

• Cut back most of the leaves, leaving about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) of the leaf petioles (stems).
• Trim the roots to reduce bulk while retaining enough to stabilize the plant during replanting.

1. Applying Sulphur Powder:

• Dust the trimmed roots and any cuts on the pseudostem or corm liberally with sulphur powder.
• Sulphur is a natural fungicide and will help prevent rot during storage.

Storage Conditions

Ensete bananas need a dormant period in controlled conditions to survive the winter. Here’s how to store them:

1. Dry and Cool Location:
   Store the Ensete in a frost-free area such as a garage, basement, or shed. Ideal temperatures are 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
2. Ventilation:
   Ensure good airflow around the plant to minimize the risk of fungal growth or rot.
3. Humidity Control:

• Keep the storage area dry, as high humidity can encourage mold.
• For overly dry spaces, you can lightly mist the roots once or twice over winter, but avoid saturating them.

1. Storage Methods:

• For small plants, pot them up in dry compost, sand, or sawdust to insulate the corm.
• Larger specimens can be stored bare-root. Wrap the roots in dry hessian, paper, or a breathable fabric to reduce moisture loss.

Monitoring During Winter

1. Regular Inspections:
   Check the corm and roots monthly. Look for signs of rot, mold, or shriveling.

• If you find any rot, cut away the affected area with a clean knife and dust the wound with sulphur powder to prevent further issues.

1. Moisture Management:
   While the plant should remain dry, if the pseudostem shrivels excessively, mist the roots lightly to prevent dehydration.

Reawakening in Spring

1. When to Replant:
   Reintroduce your Ensete to light and warmth after the last frost has passed, typically from late April to May in the UK.
2. Potting Up:

• Plant the Ensete in fresh compost, ensuring the corm sits at the same level as it did before lifting.
• Water sparingly at first to avoid overwhelming the dormant roots.

1. Fertilizing and Watering:
   Once new growth emerges, increase watering and begin feeding with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage vigorous foliage.

Final Tips

• Use Sulphur Powder Liberally: It’s especially helpful if you live in a damp region, as it prevents fungal infections during storage.
• In Situ Protection (Alternative): If lifting isn’t possible, wrap the pseudostem in fleece and mulch heavily around the base. However, this is less reliable in severe UK winters.

By following these steps and incorporating sulphur powder into your overwintering process, your Ensete bananas will be well-prepared to bring their dramatic tropical flair back to your garden next season.