Continuing the discussion from Who is growing bananas for fruit?:
Here’s what turns out to be a mutant SH-3640 banana plant I obtained last year. It is moving right along!
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Emerging fruit bud … harvest will likely occur next summer 
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Today.
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The pseudo-stem height at budding is about 4’ 10".
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Richard, let me first say I’m asking this question with zero experience related to growing bananas and a history of only doing my orcharding in the frigid Boston area, but why do you leave all the suckers (pups, I think they’re called) coming up around the momma banana plant?
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I pull them out when they’re about knee-high – or prior if they are becoming invasive. One of them will remain though for the follow-on crop but I’ve yet to decide which.
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Huh, 4’10" is kind of short, isn’t it?
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Yes, although not unheard of for a first time transplant.
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How many banana trees do you have room for in your beds, Richard?
I have four different hybrids growing in a total of two planter beds. 
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I have a Dwarf Brazilian with inflorescence, but way too late for my climate. Can’t seem to get the timing right. Third year now it has bloomed too late. Have about six more that may be ready in Spring if winter isn’t to harsh.
You have it sooo good Richard.
TFN
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I had lots of practice in selecting pups for summer ripening when I lived in zone 9b. Now I’m relearning it … this one and my Namwa flowered 4 months earlier than expected. I’ll be surprised if the fruit makes it through our “winter” to harvest in May.
