Bananas and Plantains - Top Crop for South Florida - 2 Must Have Varieties For Your Food Forest

If you live in South Florida and are looking for a tropical fruit that’s easy to grow and full of flavor, look no further! Choosing the right banana variety can make a huge difference in a grower’s success, and after years of trial and error, we’ve found that the Dwarf Namwa and Puerto Rican Plantain are among the best for our region. Both are perfectly suited to the warm, humid climate of South Florida.

The Dwarf Namwa, with its manageable size—growing to only about 6-8 feet tall—is perfect for small yards or tight spaces. It produces abundantly sweet, creamy bananas with a light hint of strawberry or kiwi flavor, great for snacking and smoothies.  Bonus fact:  Namwa is the quintessential Thai banana variety.  The traditional Thai dessert “gluay kag” features Namwa bananas, fried in rice flour batter with coconut and sesame seeds.  We’ve made it with homegrown Namwa bananas… 10/10 delicious!!!

The Puerto Rican Plantain, on the other hand, is a fantastic variety for those who love using plantains as a versatile, calorie rich staple food.  It was imported to Florida in the 1950s by legendary fruit explorer Bill Whitman.  While many true plantain varieties can be challenging to grow in Florida, we have found the Puerto Rican Plantain to be the most ideal.  It is also a stout plant and easy to harvest, with bunches hanging at shoulder height.  Boiled, fried, or baked, Puerto Rican Plantains make a delicious dish, and we consider them superior in flavor to the commercially grown plantains available at the store.  

Both of these varieties are incredibly productive, and resilient against common pests and diseases.  They’re a great choice for gardeners looking to add a low-maintenance, high-reward crop to their backyard.  And maybe the best part of all, it only takes 6-12 months from planting to harvest your first bunch!

Ready to start growing your own delicious bananas?

 We think everyone in South Florida should be growing their own bananas at home, and with access to the best cultivars (plus expert guidance from our nursery team) you’re guaranteed to have success!  Order now and pick up your plants—your edible backyard paradise is just a few steps away!