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Banana Stalk Management After Fruiting

Should a Spent Banana Stalk Be Removed?

A banana stalk that fruited last year isn't leafing out this year while others are. The owner asks if it should be cut at ground level or removed with roots.

Expert Advice

Nick explains bananas grow from a perennial underground corm. Each stalk fruits once, then should be cut to ground level. The corm continuously sends up new stalks. More water and fertilizer improve growth and fruiting.

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