Japanese Banana Plant – Caring For A Musa Basjoo Hardy Banana Variety
The Japanese banana plant lends that tropical island flair to gardens and landscapes as far north as USDA hardiness zone 5. Also known as the Musa Basjoo banana, these herbaceous perennials can withstand wintertime temperatures below -5 degrees (-20 F.) F and bounce back with new growth the following spring. If that sounds too good to be true, here's what you need to know about these hardy Japanese banana plants:
What are Japanese Hardy Banana Plants
This hardy banana variety is not actually a tree, as they are sometimes erroneously called. Like other members of the Musaceae family, the trunk-like pseudostem of the Japanese banana plant is made up of tightly rolled leaves and is not woody.
The showy, green leaves unfurl from the center of the plant with each successive leaf emerging larger than the previous one. It's not uncommon for leaves of the Japanese banana plant to reach 6 feet (1.8 m.) in length. These fast-growing plants can attain a seasonal height of 10 to 12 feet (3-3.7 m.) before cold weather kills off aboveground growth.
In northern climates, Basjoo banana care basics must be followed to ensure the rhizomatous roots survive the winter. This includes removing the dead leaf canopy, cutting the pseudostem 1 to 2 feet (.6 m.) above the ground, and mulching around the base.
Due to the shorter growing season, this hardy banana variety rarely blooms north of zone 9. Grown primarily as an ornamental, the Japanese banana pairs well with other tropical plants. Use Musa Basjoo in patio and pool settings among hibiscus, plumeria, passion flowers or canna lilies.
In USDA zones 9-10, the Basjoo Japanese banana plant remains an evergreen year-round. It takes Musa Basjoo banana plants 12 to 24 months to bloom and set fruit. Gardeners will most likely need to hand-pollinate the flowers in order to produce bananas. The golden-yellow fruit of this hardy banana variety are only 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm.) long and contain numerous seeds.
Musa Basjoo Banana Care
Choose a sunny location with rich, fertile soil for your Musa Basjoo banana plant. These heavy feeders thrive on monthly applications of fertilizer and a moist soil substrate. Before planting, work in plenty of organic compost to a depth of 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm.).
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Banana plants develop an extensive root system to withstand hurricane force storms. To avoid foliage loss during windy weather, hardy Japanese banana leaves have adapted a cross-section method of tearing. This can leave the plant looking straggly. Locating banana plants in sheltered areas or pruning damaged foliage helps maintain their showy appearance.
Laura Miller has been gardening all her life. Holding a degree in Biology, Nutrition, and Agriculture, Laura's area of expertise is vegetables, herbs, and all things edible. She lives in Ohio.
-
4 Trailblazing Garden Brands To Support On Small Business Saturday And Beyond
Discover some of the most exciting independent garden brands that deserve to be championed not just on Small Business Saturday – but every day of the year.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Womanswork - Strong Women, Strong Gloves
Have you heard of Womanswork? They're a woman-owned business that's been empowering women (and making gardening gloves) for over 35 years.
By Caroline Bloomfield
-
Banana Tree Fruit Issues: Why Do Banana Trees Die After Fruiting
Banana 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.
By Amy Grant
-
Growing Ornamental Bananas – How To Grow A Red Banana Plant
There 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.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
-
Thai Banana Fruit – How To Grow Thai Banana Trees
In 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.
By Amy Grant
-
Common Diseases Of Banana: What Causes Black Spots On Banana Fruit
Banana 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.
By Amy Grant
-
Banana Tree Problems: What Causes Bananas With Cracked Skin
It 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.
By Amy Grant
-
Fusarium Wilt Of Banana: Managing Of Fusarium Wilt In Bananas
Also known as Panama disease, fusarium wilt of banana is difficult to control and severe infections are often deadly. Click on this article to learn more about banana fusarium wilt disease, including management and control.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Banana Plant Diseases And Pests: Troubleshooting Problems Affecting Bananas
Banana plant problems can derail a successful plantation, and any of the problems affecting bananas may afflict the home gardener as well, so it's important to learn to identify banana pests and diseases to nip them in the bud. Click here to learn more.
By Amy Grant
-
What To Feed Banana Plants – How To Fertilize A Banana Tree Plant
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? Learn more here.
By Amy Grant