Q&A for How to Grow Banana Trees in Containers

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What is the best kind of soil and fertilizer for a banana tree?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

A banana tree's soil should be rich in organic matter (peat, compost, coco fiber, manure) with plenty of perlite or vermiculite mixed in. Some sites recommend adding 20% more perlite or vermiculite to the soil mixture. A pH of 5.5-6.5 is recommended. Heavily mulch your banana plant. Fertilize with a balanced (10-10-10) diluted liquid fertilizer or granular fertilizer once a month. Add wood ash for an extra boost of potassium.

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Question

How long will I have to wait before the banana tree will start producing fruit?

Ninox

Top Answerer

It depends on the variety of banana tree, but the tree won't produce bananas in many regions.

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Question

Can I plant my small tree in a larger pot to avoid having to transfer later?

Lillian Kullen

Community Answer

You could, but however large your pot is, you will have to transfer it at some time. A potted plant simply doesn't get enough nutrients, not to mention the fact a tree needs unlimited space to grow and expand to bear healthy fruit.

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I purchased dwarf green variety bananas, and the leaves were growing out of the corm at 90. I planted them with corn laying horizontal. Should I remove the leaves and re-plant the corm vertically?

Ninox

Top Answerer

The corn must be planted in such a way that the larger part is horizontal. The corn is always wider than high.

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Why won't my banana trees get tall like they did before I moved here? I brought them with me.

Ninox

Top Answerer

The most likely culprit is that the soil is exhausted. You can add fertilizer every two weeks to help the tree grow.

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