How To Grow Bananas
By Linda Paquette, Fri Dec 9th
How to Grow Bananas
If your grocer says, “Yes, we have no bananas. We have nobananas today,” it isn’t surprising since the banana is theworld’s second favorite fruit, surpassed in popularity only bythe apple. Once only grown in tropical climates, the good newsis that several varieties can be grown in northern areas as wellas in the south.
Because it takes nine months or more to reach maturity, somenorthern gardeners grow the banana plant only for itsspectacular ornamental foliage. However, in the hobbygreenhouse, even northern growers can achieve a fruit harvestand reap the added benefit of seeing the amazing way in whichfruit is produced.
Probably because of its height, the banana plant is oftenincorrectly called a banana tree. Actually, though, the bananais the largest herbaceous perennial and belongs to themonocotyledons of the Musaceae family, which also includespalms, grasses, and orchids.
Bananas grow from rhizomes, which are stems that take root andsend shoots (suckers) up through the soil. Banana plants mayalso be propagated through suckers (also called pups or ratoons)that grow from the main stem of the banana plant. If you havedifficulty in finding banana rhizomes at your local nursery, youcan find them in most garden catalogs as well as Internet gardenoutlets. Site and soil
The banana plant grows best in full sun in soil that providesexcellent drainage. Good drainage is crucial since saturatedroots may die in less than an hour. It is also important toshelter the banana plant from heavy winds that can tatter thebanana plant foliage.
The banana plant is a very heavy feeder. Soil should be nutrientrich, slightly acidic, and loamy enough to retain moisture andkeep nutrients from leaching below the shallow roots of theplant. Amendments of good organic compost and green sand or kelpmeal will help maintain the banana plant’s high mineralrequirements.
Planting Banana Rhizomes
Dig a hole about a foot wide and ten to twelve inches deep. Setthe rhizome in the hole so that the union between it and thesucker stem are about six inches deep. If your site isn’t level,the eye of your banana rhizome should be on the uphill side ofyour hole. Fill the hole with soil and tamp down firmly toremove any air pockets. If planting more than one rhizome,plants need to be spaced at least ten feet apart so that eachgets the benefit of full sun. Water your planting sparingly tokeep the rhizome healthy until the plant is established.
Banana Plant Growth
Because of its rapid growth, the banana plant is one that youalmost can sit back and watch grow. When the banana plant isabout three-quarters grown, it produces several suckers at itsbase.
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