How to Winterize Banana Plants

Winterize banana plants immediately after the first frost.

Many people love bananas for their taste and nutritional benefits. The banana plant's growth depends greatly on the temperature of its environment. Bananas grow best in moderate temperatures, and their fragile leaves will wither in extreme climates. Once the banana plant has been exposed to frost, winterize it with mulch or straw to prevent the root from rotting. Winterizing is necessary for bananas to grow the following year.

Things You'll Need

• Hedge trimmers
• Mulch
• Plastic sheet

Instructions

1. Cut the banana plant to the ground with a pair of hedge trimmers after the first serious frost. Cut the plant when its leaves are curled up and covered with frost.

2. Cover the cut plant with a solid 6 to 8 inches of mulch. Use up to 12 inches of mulch if you live in an extremely cold climate.

3. Keep the mulch dry throughout the winter by covering it with a plastic sheet. Remove the plastic sheet in the early spring, before the banana plant starts to grow.

Tips & Warnings

• Straw or peat moss can be used instead of mulch.

References

• Beginner Gardening: Growing Hardy Banana trees
• Plant Answers: Bananas