Growing banana plants (Musa x paradisiaca) in pots is possible and is one of the best ways to grow this popular fruit in cold regions and small spaces. Let's see how to grow bananas in pots and their care. Raed More
grow banana in pot Can a potted banana plant bear fruit
The first question that may arise in your mind would be whether you will be able to enjoy bananas if you grow the plant in pots. Okay, do not worry! It's possible! The banana plant bears fruit prolifically in pots.
If you plan to grow the plant using a bulb, sucker, or sapling, which you can buy at a nursery, it will take 8 to 15 months to produce fruit.
However, it can even fruit early in 5 to 7 months after planting if you buy a young plant from a garden centre and if you are growing in a favorable warm climate. Or, this would take longer, depending on the specific variety you choose to grow and the growing conditions, such as if you live in a cold climate.
Incorrect temperature range, inadequate light, lack of moisture, and nutrient deficiencies can significantly slow banana fruit set. You can start growing bananas in the spring and throughout the summer, even early fall.
Choice of the pot to grow banana in a pot
The banana plant needs deep and wide pots to grow. Ideally, opt for a pot that is 40-60 cm deep and wide or even more. Depth is important for banana growth because the roots need a lot of space to expand. You can even use wine barrels or plant them in large grow bags.
Growing potted bananas in the tropics
Growing potted bananas in a tropical climate is extremely easy. If you live in a tropical area, keep your banana plant in the afternoon shade in summer when the plant is young. With little or no care it will grow very well in a pot. All other requirements are similar, as given below in the article for cold and temperate zones. Ideal conditions for growing potted bananas
grow banana in pot Sun
Bananas grow in tropical and subtropical parts of the world and love the sun, warmth and moisture. Keep it in a place that gets the sun most of the day but is protected from strong winds.
Floor
It requires a growing medium with good drainage. 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 neutralise soil to produce those nutritious, potassium-rich bananas. The pH of the soil should be between 6 and 7. If your soil is too alkaline, use sulfur to lower the pH.
Humidity
The banana plant prefers humidity levels above 50% but also does not mind growing in dry air. Mist it 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.
Potted banana Care grow bananas in a pot
Irrigation The banana plant loves moisture. You should water it regularly during the summer to keep it evenly and consistently moist.
You may need water even twice a day in hot climates where the temperature reaches over 38C in summer. Therefore, water the plant regularly and deeply but avoid waterlogging. Remember to do it in the afternoon or early morning, when the sun is very strong.
Pass
Banana is a fast-growing plant and requires strong feeding to grow to its full strength. Feed young plants with a fertilizer rich in potassium, nitrogen and magnesium and other trace elements; any balanced fertilizer will suffice. Also, dress the pot with well-decomposed manure twice a year.
Once your banana plant is mature enough to produce fruit, begin feeding it a low-nitrogen balanced fertilizer such as 8-10-10 or 8-10-8 following the manufacturer's directions.
Plagues and diseases
Some pests that can attack banana plants are aphids, spider mites, the banana weevil, and the coconut scale. These pests can be easily repelled using organic insecticides. To keep most diseases at bay, avoid overwatering or underwatering the plant. See: How to make and apply homemade and organic insecticides
spend the winter growing bananas in a pot
Banana plants stop growing when temperatures drop below 10C. Before winter sets in, make a strong mulch to cover the soil and prune off excess leaves in autumn.
Avoid exposing it to a temperature below 10 C. If you live in a colder climate, move the plant inside a cosy room before the arrival of winter. Place it next to a large window so it can get plenty of sunlight.
banana harvest
Bananas are ready to bear fruit in 6 to 15 months and, unlike other fruit trees, bear fruit throughout the year. The exact harvest season depends entirely on your climate, you can find out at your local nursery or ask other gardeners in your area to grow it.
It may also be of interest to read: How to Grow a fig tree in a Pot and its Care. Harvesting bananas is very easy. Look for the yellowest fruits in the cluster and, with a sharp knife, cut them cleanly, without damaging the rest.
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How to grow Bananas