Question
Once the fruiting body/bud is showing about how long before I should see fruit?  How long before they are edible or ripe?  Can it(the Plant) be fed when the fruit pod is showing?

Answer
Hi Marjorie, once the inflorescence has shown (the ear of corn type emergence...) it will be a good 2-3 months before the process of unraveling completes; the pod will open up one  sheath at a time, until all the hands are exposed, then you will cut the bottom pod (male flowers) off, to alleviate some of the weight and hasten maturity. You will notice the individual fingers (the Bananas themselves..) swell over the 2 months and when after a week or so, you don't see any further swelling, then you will cut the entire "bunch" off and put it in a cool, dark area, (garage, shed etc.), and ripening will occur in about 7-10 days. Do not allow the fruit to ripen on the plant, for it will be starchy, off the plant it will ripen nice and sweet. Nick