Musa sikkimensis is still a relatively new plant introduction to the UK proving to be as hardy as the most popular banana species Basjoo, but I think more attractive and quite spectacular as a large plant. The leaves are a darker glossy green, with new leaves producing a lovely pink flush to the underside. Some seedlings have markings almost as striking as Zebrina.

Since Musa Basjoo cannot be grown from seed, this hardy alternative grows quickly, and once established can be further propagated by suckers. Originating from 6,000ft in the Himalayas (which has light snow), it is tolerant to frost at the roots. Good resilience to wind, and continues to grow in cool weather (when Basjoo halts.)

Successive leaves, increasing in size, are produced through the summer months, forming a pseudo stem which serves as the plant's trunk. This may be two metres tall by the autumn, and if protected from the coldest weather, may reach four metres in subsequent years. In the plant's fifth year flower and small inedible but very ornamental fruit may be produced.

Sowing:
Sow indoors at any time of year.
Sow seeds as soon as you are able. If you are not going to sow them, store them in their packaging in a cool, dark, dry place. (Do not refrigerate)

Soak seed for 3-4 days in warm water, which has been previously boiled. Change the water each day. (This process is important, as gets rid of germination inhibitors)
Fill either large cells or trays with perlite, vermiculite or sterilized compost. Stand the trays in water until the medium is completely moist
Sow the seeds 2.5cm (1”) deep. Spray the seeds with a little copper based fungicide
Bottom heat is helpful, place in a propagator if you have one or in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep at a constant temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Check the seeds daily for germination. If mold or fungus appears, remove the seeds and wash them in warm water. Spray them with fungicide and re-sow in a fresh medium in a sterilized pot.
Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged. Patience is needed as germination is erratic and take from one to twelve months. Do not give up too soon!

Growing:
When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3 inch) pots, taking care not to damage the root system. Grow on in well-lit conditions, and pot on, into rich, well drained soil, as required. Water the plant thoroughly and every 1 to 3 days thereafter depending on the season. Do not soak! Remember moist soil, not wet, not dry.

Position:
The planting site should be chosen for protection from wind and cold weather, if possible, the south or southeast side of the house. Banana plants will grow in most soils, but to thrive, they should be planted in a rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, test your soil’s ability to drain properly. Dig a post-hole about 2 feet deep. Fill it with water. If it empties within two hours, the drainage should be ideal.

Cultivation:
Their rapid growth rate makes bananas plants heavy feeders. During warm weather, apply a balanced fertilizer once a month. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plant in a circle extending 4 feet from the trunk. Feed container banana plants on the same monthly schedule using about half the rate for outside plants.

Overwintering:
Bring container grow plants indoors. Outdoor plants need protection, either wrap the trunk or cover with blanket if the banana plants are small and low temperatures are predicted. You can also dig up the roots, and store in a dark dry place inside until spring. (Foliage can be cut back to 6-8”) This is the best way for most.
Leaves are damaged at 0°C (32°F) but the plant will grow back from the root (corm)