Post by Xiousia on Jun 23, 2011 13:06:34 GMT 12
BANANA: Musa acuminata
Bananas are surely the best known tropical fruit and one of the most healthy and versatile. Bananas originated in South-East Asia and have grown in the Tropics since ancient times and beyond. There is a theory that the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden was actually a banana. Banana was the first fruit cultivated by man.
Landscape Value
Wonderful luscious tropical leaves great as a backdrop or centre piece to your garden. Against a house, around a pool or in a courtyard.
Nutritional Value
A good source of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Potassium, with some calcium and iron. They are low-salt, low-fat and are cholesterol-free.
How to Eat
They can be eaten fresh and used in salads, desserts, breads, cake and drinks; the list is endless.
Expected Yield
1 bunch of bananas per stalk/plant.
Generic Fruiting Time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Growing
Sun
Full sun & sheltered. Fruiting is governed by sunlight and warmth on the trunk. To encourage the warmth, stack compost around the trunk well up the stem but not touching, as this mulch could create a lot of heat & burn the plant.
Wind
Wind is a common constraint as high winds may cause banana cultivars to topple. In addition, continuously windy weather may cause severe left shredding, drying leaves, and plant crown distortion. Grown in the shelter of buildings is ideal. Can be grown in sheltered sites by the coast but are not tolerant of saline conditions.
Climate
Susceptible to frosts and will flourish under uniformly warm & hot conditions. Not too severe frosts will burn the leaves and the banana will grow back. Need regular moisture especially during hot periods where the large leaves will transpire heavily.
Soil
Soil moisture is one of the most important factors; lack of water at any time may cause a reduction in fruit numbers and size. Even though soil moisture is important, soil drainage is just as important, sloping land will help with this. Ideal slightly acid soil.
Fertiliser
Apply high potassium fertiliser every 6 weeks during the growing months. The amount of fertiliser depends on size and age of stalk and the number of stalks per clump. Or simply add regular compost and manure to feed and protect the shallow roots.
Pruning
Remove all but 2-3 sucker growth. Select the main plant with a broad base and very fast taper to a point - (almost pyramid shaped). The more slender suckers may not flower or will produce a much weaker flower. Removed suckers can be replanted elsewhere.
Pests
No major insect or fungal problems in most warm temperate regions, though wildlife may seek out the ripening fruits. Cold wet weather can set the plants back and encourage root rot.
Hardiness
Virtually all growth stops at 15 degrees C but plants can survive -2°C for short periods, but temperatures below -4 may kill the underground rhizomes.
Special Conditions
Plant them in a warm sheltered position with good drainage.
Bananas are surely the best known tropical fruit and one of the most healthy and versatile. Bananas originated in South-East Asia and have grown in the Tropics since ancient times and beyond. There is a theory that the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden was actually a banana. Banana was the first fruit cultivated by man.
Landscape Value
Wonderful luscious tropical leaves great as a backdrop or centre piece to your garden. Against a house, around a pool or in a courtyard.
Nutritional Value
A good source of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Potassium, with some calcium and iron. They are low-salt, low-fat and are cholesterol-free.
How to Eat
They can be eaten fresh and used in salads, desserts, breads, cake and drinks; the list is endless.
Expected Yield
1 bunch of bananas per stalk/plant.
Generic Fruiting Time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Growing
Sun
Full sun & sheltered. Fruiting is governed by sunlight and warmth on the trunk. To encourage the warmth, stack compost around the trunk well up the stem but not touching, as this mulch could create a lot of heat & burn the plant.
Wind
Wind is a common constraint as high winds may cause banana cultivars to topple. In addition, continuously windy weather may cause severe left shredding, drying leaves, and plant crown distortion. Grown in the shelter of buildings is ideal. Can be grown in sheltered sites by the coast but are not tolerant of saline conditions.
Climate
Susceptible to frosts and will flourish under uniformly warm & hot conditions. Not too severe frosts will burn the leaves and the banana will grow back. Need regular moisture especially during hot periods where the large leaves will transpire heavily.
Soil
Soil moisture is one of the most important factors; lack of water at any time may cause a reduction in fruit numbers and size. Even though soil moisture is important, soil drainage is just as important, sloping land will help with this. Ideal slightly acid soil.
Fertiliser
Apply high potassium fertiliser every 6 weeks during the growing months. The amount of fertiliser depends on size and age of stalk and the number of stalks per clump. Or simply add regular compost and manure to feed and protect the shallow roots.
Pruning
Remove all but 2-3 sucker growth. Select the main plant with a broad base and very fast taper to a point - (almost pyramid shaped). The more slender suckers may not flower or will produce a much weaker flower. Removed suckers can be replanted elsewhere.
Pests
No major insect or fungal problems in most warm temperate regions, though wildlife may seek out the ripening fruits. Cold wet weather can set the plants back and encourage root rot.
Hardiness
Virtually all growth stops at 15 degrees C but plants can survive -2°C for short periods, but temperatures below -4 may kill the underground rhizomes.
Special Conditions
Plant them in a warm sheltered position with good drainage.