Tips for Growing Banana and Plantain Plants

Temperature:

Bananas thrive in warm to hot conditions. Shoot growth is best between 78°F to 82°F (26–28°C), and fruit growth occurs at 84°F to 86°F (29–30°C). Plant growth slows below 60°F (16°C) and stops at 50°F (10°C). Chilling injury (below 60°F/16°C but above 32°F/0°C) leads to flowering stalk or fruit bunch failure, dull or greenish-gray ripening fruit, distorted shape, and increased rotting.

Wind:

Wind can damage banana leaves and distort the plant crown. Winds above 25 mph and 45 mph may cause tall and short banana cultivars (respectively) to topple.

Drought and flooding:

Water is crucial for fruit number and size. Drought stress shows as folded leaves, pale to yellow leaf color, and premature leaf death. Bananas cannot tolerate flooding or stagnant water. Planting on raised beds is recommended in flood-prone or wet soil conditions. Continuously wet soil leads to stunting, yellowing leaves, and reduced yields.

Shade:

Banana plants tolerate moderate shade (up to 50%), but excessive shade delays growth and reduces fruit quality.

Salinity:

Bananas don't grow well in salty soils. Symptoms of salt damage include yellowing and death of leaf margins, and deformed fruit.

Altitude:

Bananas can be grown from sea level to 6,562 ft (2,000 m), depending on the local climate.

Soils:

Bananas prefer flat, well-drained soils with pH 5.5–7.0 and rich in organic matter. Proper soil drainage is crucial. Raised beds and sloping the land aid in drainage.

Updated on: 05/29/2023