A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2003 Banana Tree

Hey all,

First want to say thanks for all of the help I have gotten with my other plants.

I have a banana tree that I picked up earlier in the year but I don't know what kind it is, or if it is fruit bearing, and if so, what I need to do to get it to bear fruit.

Does anyone know a good website on banana tree care that I could check?

I have been trying, but not had much luck.


Thank you!!!!

Scott

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/banana.htm

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/banana2.htm

Scott,

It is rather difficult to identify/differentiate one Banana variety from another. Except for some dwarf varieties that grow from 5' to 15', most are 15' to 25'.

They like uniformly warm climate like California and Florida, because it takes 12 to 18 months of frost free conditions to produce flower stalk, then the fruits takes 4 to 8 months to mature...all depending on temperature. They do not require polliation.

Bananas require regular deep watering, especially during warm weather. Because they grow fast, they are heavy feeders. When fertilizing make sure it (fertilizer) does not come in contact with the trunk.

I have several Banana trees of unknown variety[4 mature and 5 babies (shoots)]. They are planted outdoor and are about 25 feet. The mature ones are about 16 months old...but so far has no sign of flower stalk.

Bill - Thank you, I found those about 30 seconds after I asked They were definitely helpful.

Papito - I won't get that many months of frost free conditions for the banana outside (I'm in North Carolina). But I have it in a pot that I can bring inside, If it can fruit: Does it have to be a certain height? It is in a decent size pot right now, but I don't think the pot is big enough to support a 15' tree (nor is my ceiling!)

Bananas, except for the hardy type, usually stop growing at temperature below 53 degrees. You probably need a 17" or larger container. Height is probably not a criteria for fruiting; the most important thing is to simulate/duplicate the outdoor growing environment..among others, bright diffuse light indoors.

Ever thought of growing "cold hardy" banana? Try Banana "Basjoo"- Japanese Fiber Banana. See link below and click on Banana and scroll (down) to Banana Basjoo.

http://www.banana-tree.com/

I think I am going to have to get a larger pot

Thank you for the link. I will read through that site tonight.

I hadn't really planned on even getting a banana tree, it was an impulse buy at a farmers market. I saw it and just had to have it.

I like the thought of some cold hardy outdoor banana trees. I have the perfect place in the yard for a <b>small</b> stand of Bananas, that would look pretty cool, maybe 5 or 6 trees.

Thank you for all of your help