Family: Musaceae
Scientific name: Musa sikkimensis
Common name: Red striped Darjeeling banana
Origin: Himalaya        

This variety of the more common Musa sikkimensis has red striped leaves, which are therefore even more beautiful. The plant has its origin in Sikkim, an area in the Himalaya in northeast India where it grows up to altitudes of 2000 meter. The plant is frequently exposed to temperatures below 0 degC, so the plant is quite cold resistant. At a sheltered spot and packed with isolating material the variety is hardy, with a minimum temperature of -10 degC.

Sowing description:
Sand the seeds with sanding paper and let them soak in lukewarm water for 48 hours. Thereafter the seeds can be sown in sowing mix. Keep the soil constantly moist by covering the soil with plastic foil or glass, and let them germinate in a warm spot. Germination can take some weeks or even months, and can occur as long as the seeds are hard.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -10 degrees Celsius

Photo 1: Palmvrienden.net
Photo 2: Romberg (diese-rombergs.de)