Question
Hi Nick , I sent you some info about 1 month ago about our cavendish banana plat we planted this past Feb. You replied and we followed your directions. The bananas are formed and are separating  from each other. They are well formed but  are not ripe. Because of the cold here in North Port , in Sw Florida we have wrappedthe pod with a blanket to protect it from possible freeze. Should we continue to do so or should we remove the pod with all the bananas and put it in a shed away from freezing temps.  The bananas started forming the end of Oct. We are waiting for your expert advice and thanking you for your help.
Sincerely,
Kathryn

Answer
Hi Kathryn, because of the timing of the emergence of the pod, it is difficult to be optimistic, even with the covering of the bunch with a blanket; the problem is, cold nights are hindering the development and the growth of the plant itself. The upside is, if this particular plant sent out an inflorescence then the next pup in line will be on schedule to do the same around May or June and this will mature perfectly, if you keep the plant well watered and fertilized. Cutting it off now and bringing it inside will not accomplish anything for it will just shrivel up. Bunches need about 3 months on the plant to develop and mature . Just do what you have been doing, and hope for the best, if you can keep the entire top wrapped, by cutting away all the leaves and wrapping the stub at the top with the bunch, then you have a shot; cutting away the leaves at this point of its growth won't harm anything, for once the bunch is harvested, that particular plant dies anyway, so remove the leaves and cover the top and hope.Nick