Banana Trees

No tropical garden is complete without a banana tree.

One of the most universally recognizable fruits, bananas are the world's fourth largest fruit crop. The banana tree epitomizes everything unique about the tropics from its exotic shape to its yellow fruit.

It is not really a tree, but actually an herbaceous plant or a large clumping herb.

The plant contains a long stem consisting of multiple sheath layers. Large green leaves grow at the crown. Near the top grows an oval-shaped bud with white flowers surrounding it. The actually banana fruit grows in bunches from the female flowers.

Banana trees generally are grown in the tropical regions of the world. However, they can grow in areas where tropical climates are reproduced. Plants grown in the tropics produce edible fruit, while those grown in other locations do not mainly due to cold weather and insufficient watering.

Temperature levels must fall within a specific range for a banana tree to bear fruit. Banana trees require an ideal temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 67 degree Fahrenheit at night.

The plant grows best when exposed to at least 12 hours of bright light. The ideal location to plant a banana tree is an area exposed to the sun, but sheltered from strong winds. Wind can cause the leaves of the banana tree to fall, which stunts the plant's growth.

Banana trees require deep and properly drained soil. Harmful weeds and competing grasses should be eliminated from the area where the plant is to be grown. Banana trees are considered heavy eaters and require fertilizer containing nitrogen and potassium. The plants should be watered at least once a week, or whenever soil dries a half inch in depth.

Banana trees tend to grow quickly and will begin to bear fruit anywhere between 12 to 20 months. Each plant produces one bunch of fruit which ripens in three to six months. Offsets, or younger plants called suckers, grow around the banana tree. Only two or three suckers should be allowed near the parent plant. More might cause the banana plant to die. After harvesting, the tree should be cut in half and a sucker will take its place.

Banana tress and the fruit they produce are more than just food for monkeys. It is an exotic plant that adds to the aesthetic of any garden, greenhouse or home. It yields sweet, tasty fruit used in many different recipes. Growing and caring for a banana tree takes time and commitment, but the fruits of labor are worth all the effort.

Sources:

Morton, Julia F. Banana. New Crop Resource Online Program. 2 April 1999. Purdue University. 14 Sept. 2006.
< http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/mort Plant Growing Info. Green Earth Inc. 14 Sept. 2006.
< http://www.greenhousebusiness.com/bananani Plant Growing Instructions and Care . The Banana Tree. 14 Sept. 2006.
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