Musa

Banana

Musa is a genus which contains both bananas and plantains. Varieties have been developed to produce the edible fruit we know as bananas. Starchier varieties used for cooking are called plantains. Far more varieties are cultivated as architectural plants that may develop inedible fruits. Although they are tender plants, some species are hardy enough to leave outside over winter in temperate climates, especially in the milder regions which makes them worth experimenting with in the garden.

Contributed by @lisamcdonald

plant Features

Full sun
Frequent watering
Not Frost hardy
Rich and free draining

plant information

Common name

Banana

Latin name

Musa

type

Tender plant

family

Musaceae

ph

6.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun
Frost

Not Frost hardy

Soil

Rich and free draining
Water

Frequent watering

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Banana is 2.00meters x 4.00meters

2.00 M 4.00 M

Musa

Planting young plants

From Late Spring TO Late Spring

When planting young plants, choose a sheltered site, out of known frost pockets. Shelter from the wind is also essential to prevent leaves being shredded. Plant in late spring, in a well-drained soil, enriched with well rotted manure or organic compost. Once plants are established, water and feed generously to get the best foliage. Smaller banana species make ideal container plants, which can be placed outdoors for the summer and brought indoors over winter. Plant in a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 3 with extra grit and site them in full direct sunlight and keep well watered.

Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection