Bananas and Plantains

Latin name - Musa x paradisiaca

Bananas are one of the easiest and most exciting fruit producing "trees" to grow in Florida!  Botanically speaking they are not a tree, but rather a large herbaceous plant. Most varieties will produce their first bunch about 12 months after planting, with routine harvests every 3-6 months at maturity.  Banana plants are beautiful in the landscape, and can be fit into smaller spaces than most trees.  Overall, bananas may in fact be our #1 favorite fruiting plant to grow for many reasons, including their resiliency, year-round fruit production in South Florida, and the vibrant energy they offer to any landscape.

Size: Varies by cultivar

Sun Requirements:  Full sun to part shade (Full sun=highest production, Shade=reduced)

Cold Hardy: 32 degrees

Harvest Season:  Year-round

Watering requirements:  Loves water, but can tolerate dry periods as long as they are mulched heavily