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Discover the Benefits of Growing Banana Trees in Your Garden

Updated: Jul 19, 2024

Having banana trees in your plant collection comes with many benefits. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Belonging to the Musa genus species, banana trees have large oblong stalks, making them distinctly beautiful tropical plants. While they thrive outdoors, they can also make excellent houseplants as long as they receive sufficient sunlight.

Banana tree grow to nearly 8 ft in 3 months
8 feet tall Banana Tree Growth

Perennial banana plants regrow annually and can reach heights of around 20 feet. Whether you have a small or large yard, there is always a spot where they can fit perfectly. They grow best in Spring and Summer seasons and this usually occurs without pollination.


Because of their shade-providing qualities, I planted a few of them around my back porch. They come in different sizes, have acidic soil requirements, and are great plants to have. They are tropical in appearance with their oversized leaves and beautiful foliage which are perfect for summertime. What makes them a gardeners favorite are their ability to produce fresh fruit. Keep in mind, the fruit will not taste like your typical banana but more-so a plaintain. Some gardeners will get a chance to experience the growth of actual fruit and some will not. As of now, neither of my banana trees have produced any fruit.


Here are some tips for taking care of your banana tree:


  • Ensure the plant is placed in a location with full sun to partial shade.

  • Water regularly or make sure the plant is in an area that gets plenty of moisture when it rains.


  • Ensure that there is sufficient room for it to reach a height of 20ft or more and expand to the necessary width.


  • Ensure that the planting location has well-drained soil and is mixed with fresh fertilizer.


  • Apply fertilizer as necessary to ensure the plant stays fertilized throught the season.

Sunshine


This tropical plant thrives in sunny conditions and requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. To determine the amount of sunlight a specific area in your yard receives, observe the sun's position and duration of exposure during sunset. Repeat this process for each gardening area in your yard.


Water


This tropical plant requires a lot of water to survive especially in extremely hot conditions. It calls for frequent watering but please be advised not to overwater. Make sure the soil dry out in between waterings.


Location


Banana trees are known for their tall growth and extensive spread. Be cautious not to plant them too closely to one another or near any objects, as they have a tendency to expand significantly.


Soil Requirements

Ensure that the location where you intend to plant your tree has soil that is well-drained. I typically use Miracle-Gro Garden Soil for planting in the ground, and I make sure to thoroughly blend it with the existing soil, especially when dealing with areas containing a significant amount of red clay.


A gardener standing in front of banana tree
Admiring the growth after just 3 short months

I trust that you have found the advantages of cultivating banana trees to be valuable and understand why they are an excellent plant to have in your yard. These trees regrow annually and do not demand extensive maintenance, making them a beloved choice.



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