Free Cuban Red Banana Keikis

[hpp4me]

On what parts of the island to bananas grow best? Do they like the higher elevation rain forests, or the drier coastal areas?

Also, are pests much of an issue?

[hookupu]

Noel,
Thanks again for the start. You went the extra mile digging and wrapping the root ball.
Larry

[Noel M2]

Larry, Val, Noel - Thanks for taking them and for giving them a good home. I'm certain that you'll enjoy them as they grow and, especially when they fruit. It was good to meet and chat with you.

Pam - I hope you're getting better. I'll see about coming by later in the week. I could use some hapuu to shelter some of the shade lovers that we have growing by the driveway.

hpp4me - We're at around 1300 and they thrive here. We've also planted some ornamental bananas in HPP by the ocean and they are also thriving. Carey's correct, they require heavy feeding to thrive. If you have a lot of space, you can keep the area at the base of the plant mulched with the old leaves and also the trunks that you cut down when you harvest bunches.

Last note - if you have several plants like we do, be prepared for the harvesting activity (it can be hard work with large plants) and have a plan for what to do the fruit because you'll have more than you can handle.

Noel

[pslamont]

Noel M2,

Am gently back on my feet. Ankle not broken, just smushed a bit. If you want Hapu'u you will need to come up. Getting them out is more than a one woman job and no one else is around to help this week. Call me.

P

Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!

[hpp4me]

Thanks, Noel and Carey. We'll be on 3rd Ave in HPP. Sounds like we're okay.

We're thinking of coming out in November to do some planting, but it sounds like bananas can't be left in the ground on their own. They might die with the first drought. Since we'e still mainlanders, we'll have to wait to plant if I am reading your guidance correctly.

[pslamont]

Got the two cuban reds. Wow, am I excited. My friend was just talking about looking for these. Noel, you have made my day!!!!

Got them into the ground an hour after picking them up from Noel. They are in the protected "banana nursery" we have fenced in. A herd of wild sheep has nearly dessimated my red ti plants... fortunately they just eat the leaves and they will come back twice as big next time... but still, gotta protect these banana keiki.

Anyway, thanks again Noel and family.. these are gonna be GREAT.

Pam

Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!

[Carolann R]

Hey Noel...we picked up a cuban red about six or eight months ago from Marvin at Maku'u Market...We went to Hilo greenwaste and got some really nice mulch...it has taken off.

Our reason for actually hunting one down was our neighbors' tree - oh man...those were the best tasting bananas. What a gift you're sharing...

Carrie

"All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it." Bob Newhart

[Noel M2]

Sounds like the banana starts have found nice, nurturing homes. :-) I'm really glad that we were able to share them and that they will become nice contributors to your gardens.

Noel

[Kukanaka]

Would love to add some to our place. Please let me know when they are available and I can pick them up.

Lokomaika'i 895-0615

Aloha ke Akua.

[Beachboy]

Noel M2,

Sorry for late reply. I wanna thank you and your wife plus your brother for giving me one of the Cuban Red Banana Keiki.
I'd also like to take the time once again to say what a beautiful place you folks have! Like I told you the day I was there to pick up Banana tree. It really looks like Waimea up there! I really had no idea Hilo had such diversity in geography.

Thanks again Noel to you and your loved ones for the beautiful Keiki !