Planting Banana Plants

Successfully establishing a young banana plant starts with your planting site and method. Once established, it needs little assistance to grow and bear fruit; but you’ll want to make sure you give your plant the right foundation.

Before you plant, check your soil pH. Contact your local County Extension Office for information about soil testing in your area, or purchase one of our digital meters for quick and accurate results. Banana plants need a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. They grow in wide variety of soils, as long as the soil is deep and has good drainage. They do not tolerate salty soils. Steer clear of extremely heavy or poorly drained soil.

NOTE: This is part 4 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow banana plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.

Planting Site

  • Choose a site that is protected from wind and cold weather and receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Banana plants should be grown in constant warmth. Ideal temperature at night would be 67º F and daytime in the 80’s. High humidity of 50% or higher is desirable. If your outdoor temperatures do not support these requirements, your banana plant can be potted and moved indoors during the colder months. Overwinter in a protected area where the temperature does not drop below 60º F.

Planting Tips

  • Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system. The rhizome needs to have ½ inch of its base covered with soil and spacing of 4 to 5 feet.
  • Spread a small amount of a balanced fertilizer evenly around the plant.
  • Water well.

Potting Your Banana Plant

  • Potted plants should be planted at the same depth they are in the pot.
  • When planting in a container the pot needs to be at least 6 to 8 inches with a draining hole.
  • Protect until outdoor temperatures warm and the chance of frost is gone. Move the plant into a protected, sunny location, preferably with a southern exposure.
  • By your tree’s second summer, you can plant it in a larger container, usually 16-20 inches in diameter. Refreshing the soil every one to three years will provide soil nutrients and encourage healthier growth.

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