Fertilizer for Banana Trees

Ripe Bananas

A fast-growing monocotyledonous herbaceous perennial, banana trees grow from underground rhizomes. The center stem of the plant begins as an underground corm that pushes through the center stalk of the plant 10 to 15 months after planting. Each stalk develops one large flower cluster, which produces the bananas, then dies. New stalks continually grow from the rhizome. The banana, which is technically a berry, turns from dark green to yellow or red and may vary from 2 to 12 inches in size.

Planting Banana Trees

Bunch of Bananas

Bananas, also known as plantain, horse banana or platano, require a good deal of warmth. Plant in a sunny location (12 hours of bright sunlight are ideal for most banana varieties), protected from strong winds. Plant next to a building or fence for support and protection from the elements. Bananas are a heavy plant and will benefit from staking or support. Bananas do best in areas of high humidity, 50 percent or more. The leaves will dry out and die if humidity is low.

Water, Water, Water

Watering Cans

Due to the size of its large leaves, bananas require an unusual amount of water. It is imperative that bananas are deep-watered regularly during warm weather, especially when fertilizer is applied. Never let a banana tree dry out. Avoid standing water. Bananas like to be well drained. Standing water will rot the roots.

Fertilize for Fruit

Banana Trees

Due to their rapid growth rate, bananas are heavy feeders and require regular applications of fertilizer. A 8:10:8 NPK fertilizer will maintain vigorous growth and large fruits. A mature banana plant may require up to 2 pounds of fertilizer each month. (Young plants should receive about one-third of the amount of a mature plant.) Always spread the fertilizer evenly in a circle extending 6 to 8 feet from the trunk. Avoid direct application of fertilizer on the trunk. (Banana plants planted in containers should receive about one half the amount of fertilizer as those planted directly in the ground.)

Organic Fertilzer for Healthy Banana Trees

Banana trees (Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana) will survive in most soils, however to thrive, they should be planted in rich, well-drained ground. Bananas prefer an acid soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. Try planting above an abandoned compost pile or work generous amounts of organic compost into the soil. Bananas will not tolerate salty soils.

Fertilizer Recipe

Prepare an organic "garden tea" to feed your banana plants. Gather fresh grass cuttings or plant trim materials. Place in a large plastic garbage can. Pack down the material until the container is full. Cover with water. Place a lid on the container, and place in a sunny location to ripen. When the mixture is fermented and frothy (it will have a strong earthy odor), pour the mixture around the base of the plants.

References

• California Rare Fruit Growers: Banana
• University Of Florida IFAS Extension: Banana Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
• The Banana Tree: Banana Plant Growing Instructions and Care