Today we’re going bananas!
What we mean by that is that we’ll be talking about the growth of banana plants.
As gardeners, hopefully, we all have a natural curiosity about all things green and growing--even plants that we may never actually cultivate in our own home gardens.
The banana plant is certainly an unusual one to consider and we can, in fact, grow one or more of these normally tropical plants at home.
Starts of banana plants can be ordered online. Just be sure you read the specs and the needed growing conditions for any banana plants you might order.
In general, banana plants need warm (65 to 85 degrees F.) temperatures, plenty of moisture, full sun, fertile soil, and protection from strong damaging winds.
However, varieties can be ordered that will withstand colder temperatures and harsher conditions.
The banana plant is not a tree, nor is it a palm as many people think and as some sources advertise.
It is more of a grass, with the leaves tightly wrapped to form the stem and then unwrap into the classic recognizable wide fan like leaves that we know and recognize.
The plant originates from an underground stem or rhizome.
In cooler climates (areas of light freezing and frost), the top foliage turns brown and withers in the winter season.
But the underground root remains alive and puts up new shoots in the spring.
If you prefer, order a smaller container plant which can be left on the outdoor patio during the summer and then brought indoors through the winter so that you can enjoy an unusual year-round attractive plant.
Indoors or out, just remember the requirements of plentiful sunlight, moisture, and fertile soil.
And if you are fortunate enough to establish and grow a healthy banana plant, your reward just might be your own homegrown bananas!
What are the health benefits of this humble and basic food that we see in the produce section of the grocery store every day?
Bananas are a good source of Vitamins C and B-6. They are also a source of potassium and add fiber to your diet.
