I've ordered some seeds of Musa sikkimensis. I've read that bananas need high temperatures for successful germination (30-35 degrees C). I don't think my rather basic heated propagators will reach this temperature. Does anybody have any tips for getting good germination? Also, should I soak the seeds first?

Another question: how do you overwinter your outdoor-planted bananas? I think I've made a big mistake with my existing banana plant - an Ensete ventricosum planted out in my south London garden. I had the idea that this variety was root hardy, but have since read that it isn't. I've wrapped it in fleece (which the foxes keep pulling off - the devils) and given it a hat to keep the rain off, but I'm really not too confident that it will survive even our mild winter. I read that a good method of protection is to build an enclosure and stuff it with straw; are there better methods? I've also just bought an Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' (Red Abyssinian Banana) from Mulu, which I'll plant out in April/May. I think its reddish leaves are going to look stunning with the sunlight through them... but I'll try to give it better winter protection.

Any advice on banana germination or overwintering gratefully received.