How to Plant Banana Plants
If you want to grow a plant that thrives in warm conditions, give banana plants a try. Banana plants come in a number of varieties, each producing different banana fruits. Large banana trees will yield the highest amount of edible bananas; while smaller banana plants will grow smaller banana bunches, some of which you can eat. Knowing how to properly plant and take care of a banana plant will provide you with a healthy plant that you can propagate.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Banana plant
- Soil mixture (at least 20 percent perlite)
- Garden shovel
- 8-10-8 fertilizer
- Container (with drain)
- Water
- Blanket
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1
Use a well-drained soil mixture when planting banana plants. The soil mixture needs to have at least 20 percent perlite to ensure adequate draining. Plant them in an acid soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
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2
Find a place where your banana plant will receive plenty of sunlight. They require a constant warm temperature and a high humidity of at least 50 percent. The south to southeast side of your house will receive the most sun, so try planting the banana plant in this area.
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3
Dig a hole large enough to cover the roots with a garden shovel. The rhizome needs to have ½ inch of its base covered with soil. Plant the banana plants upright, and secure them in the soil. If you are planting the banana tree in a container, it needs to be at least 6 to 8 inches with a draining hole. Once the plant becomes too large for the container, you will then transplant it into a larger container.
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4
Fertilize the banana plants every time you water them. Use a small amount of balanced fertilizer, meaning it has three numbers on the label. A recommended fertilizer to use is 8-10-8 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Spread the fertilizer evenly around the banana plant. Only water the plants when the soil is dry down a 1/2-inch deep.
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5
Prune the banana plants when shoots begin to grow. Only allow one shoot to grow in order for the plant to focus on growing its fruit. Remove any other shoots as soon as you notice them.
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6
Protect the banana plants from frost. Cover them with a blanket if the temperature drops below 22 F. You can also remove the plant from the ground during the winter, and replant it in a new pot to store it in a much warmer environment.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not allow the banana plant to dry out. They require watering every 2 to 3 days.
Protect the plant from strong winds. Support the banana plant with two poles or wood to prevent it from toppling over.
