Bananas are a popular fruit in Central Florida, not only because of their delicious taste, but also because they are relatively easy to grow. However, growing bananas in Central Florida does require some knowledge and care, so in this blog post, we will discuss some tips for growing bananas in Central Florida.

It is important to choose the right type of banana plant for your yard. There are many types of bananas from around the world to choose from, but the most common ones grown in Central Florida are the Cavendish, Grand Nain, and the Lady Finger. The Cavendish is the most popular, as it is resistant to disease, while Lady Finger is considered to be the best-tasting variety. It is also important to choose a variety that is suited to the size of your yard. Some banana plants can grow quite large, so if you have a small yard, a dwarf variety may be a better choice.

Next, it is important to prepare the soil before planting your banana tree. Bananas prefer well-drained, rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil is very sandy or has poor drainage, you would want to amend it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. It is also important to make sure your tree is planted in the right location. Bananas need full sun to thrive, so make sure to plant it in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plants will grow in a shady location, but they will take longer to produce.

After planting, it is important to keep your banana tree well-watered, but not over-watered. Bananas need to be watered deeply and infrequently, so it is best to water them every 5-7 days, depending on the weather and soil conditions. It is also important to fertilize your tree regularly. Bananas need a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is best to fertilize your tree every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.

Lastly, it is important to protect your banana plant from pests and diseases. Banana trees are susceptible to pests such as silky cane weevils, and diseases such as Panama disease and Fusarium wilt. It is important to keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease and to take action quickly if you notice any problems. Using organic methods such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective in controlling pests.

Bananas are tropical fruits, so cold temperatures at or below freezing will seriously damage your plantings. Here in Hernando County, be prepared to cover or protect your plants at least once each winter. Covering in ground plantings with a sheet or blanket and bringing container grown specimens inside will hopefully keep your plants safe on cold nights.

In conclusion, growing bananas in Central Florida can be a rewarding experience with a little bit of knowledge and care. Choosing the right variety, preparing the soil, watering, fertilizing, and protecting your tree from pests and diseases are all important steps in growing a healthy and productive banana tree. With the right care, your banana tree will provide you with delicious fruits for years to come.

Interested in adding some tropical banana plants to your home garden? Learn how to grow these tropical fruits from University of Florida Extension in Hernando County and take home 3 Musa ‘Gran Nain’ banana plants at our next Growing Groceries Workshop. The workshop will be given live on Zoom at 10:00am on March 15 and you can pick up your plants from our office or the Master Gardener nursery on Saturday March 18. If you miss the live version of the class don’t worry, it will be recorded and everyone who registers will receive the link. There is a $20.00 charge for the class and attendance is limited to the first 43 people, but it’s simple:

• Register today on Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grow-a-backyard-bounty-of-bananas-tickets-546659211417
• We will send you a link to the live workshop on Zoom before March 15.
• Tune in to the live workshop with all your questions on the 15th.
• If you can’t attend live, we’ll send you the link to the recording by the end of the day- watch as many times as you want.
• Stop by the Hernando County Master Gardener Nursery on Saturday March 18 between 8:00am and 11:00am to pick up your 3 banana plants. The nursery is located at 19490 Oliver St., Brooksville, FL 34601

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