Question
We just bought a small IC Banana tree at a farmer's market this weekend. It is 3" tall. Looks good. Farmer said we could plant it in a 35 gal pot so we can take it in over winter. (Pruning all leaves and wrapping stalk). He said give plenty of water and heavy fertilizer. You said earlier that it can get TOO much water. How do we judge that ? What kind of fertilizer? We really want this to work and will invest in more banana trees if we can get this one going. We are in central Texas and need any kind of shade and tropical relief we can get out at the pool area. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Lindy, Bananas need to be in the ground ideally, or in the largest of containers; they need to be in an environment that does not drop below freezing. Pruning and wrapping the "pseudostem" is fine, but just know that the chance of fruit being produced is pretty slim when they stressed like this; if fruit does form, it will be insignificant at best. Bananas need a tropical condition to form a real bunch of bananas, I know this because I am in South Florida, and being a Master Gardner, know what I am doing with them. I have a difficult time getting a good bunch to form here, because of our Winter temperatures that drop into the mid 30's.  I would say that your Ice Cream bananas, which will normally top out at 15 feet in an ideal location, will not fare too well in a containerized situation, and the best you can hope for is a temporary growth which will eventually begin to decline. I am sorry this farmer mislead you on this, obviously he is out to sell his product, without concern for the result. Nick