The Newspaper For Gardeners

Looking Out for Hedgehogs...

Hedgehogs are some of the most endearing creatures in our gardens, but winter...

Prune Apple Trees

Pruning is an essential task for maintaining healthy, productive apple trees. Proper pruning...

Dividing Snowdrops: A Step-by-Step...

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) are a cherished sight in late winter, heralding the arrival...

Force Rhubarb: A Gardener’s...

Forcing rhubarb is a traditional gardening technique that produces tender, sweet stalks, perfect...
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
GardenWhen to bring ensete bananas out of dormancy?

When to bring ensete bananas out of dormancy?

There is no right time to bring ensete bananas out of dormancy. The ideal time would be at the end of April as this would give the plant a full month to grow indoors before being safe to plant out when there is no frost risk. Unfortunately most people are governed by two factors-rot and plant size.

The main reason for taking ensete bananas out of dormancy early is because they have started to rot. Should you notice this then the rot must be cut away and the plant should be potted in compost and left in bright and warm conditions so that it can out grow the rot.

The other reason for not starting them too early is that once they start growing they can very quickly out grow the height in your house!

spot_img

lOOKING FOR MORE WORK?

The free and easy way to get more customers. Just join Find Local Gardeners.

If your outdoor plants keep dying, there could be multiple factors at play. Understanding these factors and addressing them can significantly improve the health...
How do I stop slugs from eating my Hostas? Slugs are among the most common and troublesome pests for gardeners growing Hosta ‘Patriot’. These...
A tropical-style garden in the UK can transport you to warmer climes, filled with vibrant colors, lush foliage, and a sense of untamed wilderness....
Creating a tropical-style garden can be a rewarding endeavor, especially if you choose flowers that not only add vibrant colors but also bring unique...
Tigridias, also known as tiger flowers or Mexican shellflowers, are eye-catching bulbs that add exotic flair to a garden with their brightly colored, intricate...

How to Protect Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ in a UK Winter?

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’, commonly known as the red Abyssinian banana, is a stunning focal point in tropical-style gardens, thanks to its bold, red-tinged leaves and towering size. Unlike Musa basjoo, this banana is not hardy and cannot survive UK winters outdoors...

Grow Guide: Ensete ventricosum ‘Hiniba’

Overview Ensete ventricosum ‘Hiniba’ is a rare and striking cultivar of the Abyssinian banana. It is distinguished by its deep blue-green, waxy leaves and rapid growth, making it a dramatic feature plant. Unlike true bananas (Musa species), Ensete do not produce offsets, so propagation...

How to grow Ensete ventricosum maurelii

No exotic garden would be complete nowadays if it didn't contain an Ensete Maurelii. The massive paddle leaves of glossy luminous green and purple make an unforgettable first impression in any UK garden. Growing up to 1.5m in it's...

How to over winter Ensete bananas

Ensete bananas are not frost hardy and will need to be taken to a frost free place if they are to survive the winter. The problem is that they get too big to store in the average home after...

Continue reading

Why I Believe You Should Work for an Established Gardening Company Before Going Self Employed

Becoming a self-employed gardener is often sold as the ultimate goal: freedom, better pay, and being your own boss. And while all of that can be true, I’m firmly of the opinion that most gardeners should work for an...

I’ve Been Gardening Since the 1970s — and I Don’t Recognise Modern Advice

I started gardening in the 1970s, when advice was simple, local, and often passed on by someone who had made the mistakes before you. You learned by watching plants fail, succeed, and surprise you. You learned by turning up...

No-Dig Is Not a Religion

No-dig gardening has become one of the most fiercely defended ideas in modern horticulture. Question it, and you can expect raised eyebrows, sharp comments, and accusations of being “behind the times.” Suggest that digging might sometimes be necessary, and...

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Plant advice for unusual species plus updates from our tropical garden

SUBSCRIBE