Growing banana trees (Musa x paradisiaca) in a pot is possible and is one of the best ways to grow this popular fruit in cold regions and small spaces. Let’s figure out how to grow bananas in a pot and their care.
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Can a potted banana tree bear fruit?
The first question that might come to mind would be whether you will be able to enjoy bananas if you grow the plant in containers. OK don’t worry! It’s possible! The banana tree bears fruit in pots prolifically.
If you plan to grow the plant from a bulb, sucker, or sapling, which you can purchase from a nursery, it will take 8 to 15 months to produce fruit.
However, it can even bear fruit early 5-7 months after planting if you purchase a sapling from a garden center and grow in a favorable warm climate. Or it would take longer, depending on the specific strain you choose to grow and the growing conditions, such as if you live in a cold climate.
Incorrect temperature range, insufficient light, lack of moisture and nutrient deficiencies can significantly slow fruiting of bananas.
Choice of pot for growing bananas
The banana tree needs deep and wide pots to grow. Ideally, opt for a pot 40-60 cm deep and wide or more.
Depth is important for banana growth because the roots need plenty of room to grow. You can even use wine barrels or plant them in large grow bags.
Growing Potted Bananas in the Tropics
Growing container bananas in a tropical climate is extremely easy. If you live in a tropical area, keep your banana tree in afternoon shade in the summer when the plant is young. With little or no maintenance, it will grow very well in pots.
All other requirements are similar, as listed below in the article for cold and temperate zones.
Ideal conditions for growing bananas in pots
Sun
Bananas grow in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and love sun, heat and humidity. Keep it in a location that gets sun most of the day but is protected from strong winds.
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Requires a well-drained growing medium. If you do it at home, be sure to mix sand or perlite with compost or manure. Use sandy soil rich in organic matter and compost.
Bananas need slightly acidic to neutral soil to produce these nutritious, potassium-rich bananas. Soil pH should be between 6 and 7. If your soil is too alkaline, use sulfur to lower the pH.
Humidity
The banana tree prefers humidity levels above 50% but also does not mind growing in dry air.
Spray it on and place it on a layer of pebbles in a tray filled with water if the plant is small and you are growing indoors.
Temperature
The plant grows best in a stable temperature range and prefers continental, coastal and tropical climates. These plants can easily grow in a warm range of 10 to 40 C.
Caring for Potted Bananas
Irrigation
The banana tree likes humidity. You need to water it regularly during the summer to keep it even and consistently moist.
You may need water even twice a day in hot climates where the temperature reaches over 38°C in the summer. Therefore, water the plant regularly and deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Remember to do this in the afternoon or early morning when the sun is very strong.
Pass
Banana is a fast growing plant and requires strong nutrition to grow to full strength.
Feed young plants with a fertilizer rich in potassium, nitrogen and magnesium and other trace elements; any balanced fertilizer will suffice. Also, cover the pot with well-rotted manure twice a year.
Once your banana tree is mature enough to produce fruit, begin feeding it with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 8-10-10 or 8-10-8 following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plagues and diseases
Some pests that can attack banana plants are aphids, spider mites, banana weevil and coconut mealybug. These pests can be easily repelled using organic insecticides.
To keep most diseases at bay, avoid over- or under-watering the plant. To look at: How to make and apply homemade and organic insecticides
spend the winter
Banana trees stop growing when temperatures drop below 10°C. Before winter sets in, mulch the soil thoroughly and trim excess leaves in the fall.
Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 10°C. If you live in a colder climate, place the plant in a comfortable room before winter arrives. Place it next to a large window so it can get plenty of sunlight.
banana harvest
Bananas are ready to bear fruit within 6 to 15 months, and unlike other fruit trees, they bear fruit throughout the year. The exact harvesting season totally depends on your climate, you can inquire at your local nursery or ask other gardeners in your area who grow it.
It may also be interesting to read: How to grow a fig tree in a pot and its maintenance.
Harvesting bananas is very easy. Look for the yellowest fruits in the bunch and, with a sharp knife, cut them cleanly, without damaging the rest.
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