CULTIVATION OF SPECIES OF MUSA 257 



Kew. They are planted either in large tubs or in a border 

 on the south-east side of the house in a compost of rich 

 loam and cow manure. Suckers about 6 ft. high, when 

 planted singly, fruit in from two to three years. The 

 bunches are cut as soon as the fruit shows signs of changing 

 from green to yellow, and hung in a warm room to ripen. 

 This they do in about a fortnight after cutting. Fruit 

 ripened on the plants is not nearly so rich in flavour as 

 when it is cut and ripened in a room ; it also ripens much 

 more slowly if left on the plants. As soon as a bunch is 

 cut, the stem which bore it is cut off level with the ground, 

 and a sucker, of which there are generally several in various 

 stages of growth, is selected to take its place. Travellers 

 who have tasted some of the best of the Kew-grown 

 bananas say that they are superior in flavour to what are 

 obtainable in the tropics." 



The late Mr. G. Nicholson, when Curator of Kew 

 Gardens, wrote as follows * on the cultivation of Musas in 

 hothouses : 



" Musas are handsome foliage plants, available foi 

 culture in large pots or tubs when required to be movable, 

 or they may be permanently planted in houses which 

 afford sufficient heat and space for their development. 

 Some of the hardier species, under the first -named treat- 

 ment, may be utilized for sub-tropical gardening outside 

 in summer. M. Ensete and M. superba are two of the best 

 and hardiest for the purpose. A sheltered position is 

 necessary, the leaves being so soon torn by rough wind. 

 M. coccinea, a dwarf -growing slender species with a brightly 

 coloured inflorescence, may be grown well in 10 in. pots 

 for winter decoration of tropical houses. Musas require 

 a strong loamy soil, with plenty of manure added, and 

 almost any amount of heat and moisture may be given 

 in summer. In winter a resting season should be allowed, 

 water being almost, or in some cases entirely, withheld. 

 Propagation may be effected by seeds, sown in heat, during 

 spring ; and most of the species produce suckers, which 

 * " Dictionary of Gardening." 



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