I live in AZ, back yard gets morning sun, in places shade from PM sun

Answer #2 · KATHY RAMSAY's Answer · Thank you so much, we're so excited, we love bananas! No room to store in winter, so I'll wait until spring. We only have a week of cold weather in January, and I cover the trunk of my grapefruit tree so I'll do the banana as well then. Thank you!)

Answer #1 · Gardenality.com's Answer · Hi Kathy,

Your low temperature in Zone 9A will be from 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit. To be safe I would plant the Banana tree in April or May once the chance of frost is gone. This will give the plant time to establish well enough to make it through the next winter with no problems. I'm in Zone 8A and we have banana trees that survive the winters here. This being said, some folks pot them and keep them inside for the winter. If you decide to bring the banana tree in for the winter put it in a in a garage or storeroom...that is if you do not have a greenhouse. Cut off all the leaves, leaving about 5 feet of stem, and clean the roots. Leave the stem to dry for a day and then wrap in breathable packing material and store upright in a cool, dark place. Your chosen site must not get below freezing or the stump will be damaged. Check your banana tree regularly and move to a colder spot if you see any root or leaf growth before spring.

If left outside the banana tree's foliage will die as winter approaches. You can trim off most of the excess dead leaves, however, leaving the smallest leaves will help to provide insulation. Also, if severe cold weather is in the forecast a moderate application of pinestraw at the base will help to protect the root system. Pinestraw is better than using leaves or wood mulch in that it doesn't hold in too much water. Banana trees are susceptible to rot if kept wet for too long a period of time. Putting a large pot or bag over the trunk or wrapping it with a blanket on nights of severely cold or freezing temperatures is a good idea as well.

Hope this helps you!

Brooks Wilson:))