Bananas used to be the sole province of commercial growers, but today’s different varieties allow the home gardener to grow them as well. Bananas are heavy feeders in order to produce sweet fruit, so feeding banana plants is of primary importance, but the question is what to feed banana plants? What are banana fertilizer requirements and how do you fertilize a banana tree plant? Let’s learn more.
What to Feed Banana Plants
Like many other plants, banana fertilizer requirements include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You may choose to use a balanced fertilizer on a regular basis that contains all of the micro and secondary nutrients the plant needs or divide feedings according to the plant’s growing needs. For example, apply high-nitrogen rich fertilizer once a month during the growing season and then cut back when the plant flowers.
At this point, switch to a high phosphorus or high potassium food. Fertilizing a banana plant with additional nutrients is fairly rare. If you suspect any type of deficiency, take a soil sample and get it analyzed, then feed as necessary per results.
How to Fertilize a Banana Tree Plant
As mentioned, banana trees are heavy feeders so they need to be regularly fertilized to be productive. There are a couple of ways to feed the plant.
When fertilizing a mature banana plant, use 1 ½ pounds (680 g.) of 8-10-10 per month; for dwarf indoor plants, use half that amount. Dig this amount in around the plant and allow it to dissolve each time the plant is watered. Or you can give the banana a lighter application of fertilizer each time it is watered. Mix the fertilizer with the water and apply as you irrigate.
How often should you water/fertilize? When the soil dries out to about ½ inch (1 cm.), water and fertilize again. If you are choosing to use high nitrogen and high potassium fertilizers, the method is a bit different.
Add the high nitrogen food to the soil once a month during the growing season at full dose according to the manufacturer’s directions.
When the plant begins to flower, cut back on the high-nitrogen fertilizer and switch to one that is high in potassium. Stop fertilizing if the soil has a pH of 6.0 or under or when the plant begins to fruit.
-
This $1.25 Item From The Dollar Store Saved My Cucumbers – Protect Your Garden From GroundhogsLearn how to make a cheap garden cloche to protect your seedlings and plants from pesky groundhogs and other animals looking for a nibble.
-
I’m A Professional Garden Writer And These Are The 6 Plants I’d Never Grow AgainI've made a lot of mistakes in my gardens over the years, but deciding to grow these plants were some of the worst. Here are the 6 plants I'd never grow again.
-
Can You Eat Banana Peels? Edible Uses Of Banana SkinCan you eat banana peels? Learn how to prepare them for food, fertilizer and even a cleaning compound.
-
Japanese Banana Plant – Caring For A Musa Basjoo Hardy Banana VarietyThe Japanese banana plant lends that tropical island flair to gardens as far north as zone 5. If that sounds too good to be true, read on!
-
Banana Tree Fruit Issues: Why Do Banana Trees Die After FruitingBanana trees not only are beautiful tropical specimens, but most of them bear edible banana tree fruit. If you have ever seen or grown banana plants then you may have noticed banana trees dying after bearing fruit. Click this article to learn more.
-
History Of Banana Melons -
Growing Ornamental Bananas – How To Grow A Red Banana PlantThere are many types of banana which produce copious amounts of fruit. But did you know there are also various types of the ornamental red banana plant too, specifically grown for their attractive red foliage color? Learn more about them here.
-
Thai Banana Fruit – How To Grow Thai Banana TreesIn Thailand, bananas are everywhere and synonymous with the tropical region they thrive in. If you're yearning to introduce a more tropical look to your landscape, try growing Thai bananas. What are Thai bananas? Click here to find out about Thai banana care.
-
Common Diseases Of Banana: What Causes Black Spots On Banana FruitBanana plants are prone to a number of diseases, many of which result in black spots on banana fruit. What causes black spot disease in bananas and are there any methods for treating black spots on banana fruit? Click this article to learn more.
-
Banana Tree Problems: What Causes Bananas With Cracked SkinIt takes some work to grow bananas and, even so, they are susceptible to their share of diseases and other banana tree problems. One such issue is bananas with cracked skin. Why do bananas split on the bunch? Find out about banana fruit cracking here.
