Unusual Banana Tree Thrives in Warner Robins Yard | News

Usually when we think of bananas, we think of a tropical climate, not suburban Warner Robins.

But that's exactly where William Birdsell managed to grow a 25-foot tall banana tree with 42 bananas, in his garden at his home on Woodcarver Trail.

"They told me you can't grow bananas in Georgia," he said, "and I didn't believe them." 

Birdsell is a retired tree inspector from Florida and says even compared to others from Jacksonville to Key West, this is the largest he's seen.

Although Georgia is known for peaches and blueberries, economists from the University of Georgia are arguing that bananas could soon become a major crop in the state depending on what type of bananas are grown.  Although Georgia has a warm climate, it's sometimes not tropical enough to support banana plants.

 When his bananas fully ripen in a few weeks, Birdsell has a special plan in mind.  He says he plans on throwing a "banana party" for his young twin great-granddaughters.